Any opinions on the 80's r107 SL280?

I might like to get an 80's R107 SL 280 one of these days, for long trips, are they pigs on gas? At 188bhp I figures it's got more power than I can handle... do they have the m110 engine?

cp

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cp
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well I had a 1983 380SL and although it is quality-built like a tank, it was not very quick. 280 even less so, I don't think you'll find it "powerful." If you want power go for the 560SL.

Reply to
whaddayawant

The 107 is a great long-distance driver being a little longer and heaver than the 113. The low profile and extra length and weight let it pass those big trucks with only the slightest wind buffeting, and cross winds on overpasses are not even noticeable. The 380SL has 155 HP and is ok for normal drivers. It will keep up with any traffic on the highway but don't expect to blow away anything from the stoplight. I would prefer the 280 to the 380 for the power and, IIRC less weight, (and the 500 to anything else in a 107). The extra power will not be too much. I get about 20 mpg in a 380SL and would expect a little more in the 280.

There is a risk driving an older exotic car long distances. When I lost an alternator in Cortez, CO (SW corner, pop. 8000) on a Sunday morning, the two auto parts stores there just did not carry a replacement and I had to be home 700 miles away by the next morning. (the Autozone guys spent a LOT of time trying to find something that we could make fit but didn't - we limped home on an extra battery and charger). Of course, your long trips might be in more populated areas. Go for it.

Mike

Reply to
M. Davis

The 380 with all the enviromods is underpowered. The sl280 has 188bhp, I think I saw some 5spd as well, should be a lot of fun. I've never really cared for cabrios but my wife has been pointing them out recently and I've been coming around. But for the price I might as well get a r129 sl280 (maybe next year, either that or an old G), how do the r129 compare to the r107?

cp

Reply to
cp

Yes, it definitely looks like a wind slicer, I like it better than the r129, I figure if they made the r107 for almost 20 years then they really must have gotten them right.

No offense intended but stoplight racing is for rednecks.

Should be noticeable with a 5spd

Is that on the highway?

I've had that experience, maybe what I will do is put a 300SD engine into the r107, won't need to worry about alternators, or starters with a 5spd. I'm in the BC boondocks a lot, losing a starter or alternator would be scary...

cp

Reply to
cp

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