2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP) has 383 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. (235 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 144 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. (447 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Pontiac Trans Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1990 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 235 HP |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 332 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
