1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 452 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1959 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1959 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 356 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
