1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 57 kg more than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. 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 SLK (500 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Bel Air | SLK |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3859 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
