1964 Ford GT 40 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1964 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (182 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 571 kg more than 1964 Ford GT 40.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (250 Nm) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Ford GT 40. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1964 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1964 Ford GT 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Ford GT 40 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT 40 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 864 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1040 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2431 mm |
