1971 Ford Mustang vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 475 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SLK |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4726 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4134 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2006 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2430 mm |
