1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 304 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 124 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| 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 | 966 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
