1971 Ford GT 70 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 70 would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1971 Ford GT 70. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford GT 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 560 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 70. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 70. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 70 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT 70 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |
