2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1999 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Opel Speedster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Opel Speedster would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 470 more horse power than 1999 Opel Speedster. (147 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Speedster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 823 kg more than 1999 Opel Speedster. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 578 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Opel Speedster. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Opel Speedster. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 1999 Opel Speedster has manual transmission. 1999 Opel Speedster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1999 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Speedster |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 617 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 52 L |
