1966 BMW 1600 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1600. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 470 kg more than 1966 BMW 1600. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1600. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1600. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1966 BMW 1600 has manual transmission. 1966 BMW 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1600 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
