1959 Abarth 600 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 680 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. 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 (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2440 mm |
