1972 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (215 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 112 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 1972 Ford Mustang (385 Nm) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (311 Nm). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1527 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 60 L |
