1972 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 40 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (5 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 90 kg more than 1972 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Mustang. (328 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Mustang. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Ford Mustang | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Mustang | SLK |
Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 3498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 5 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 328 Nm | 370 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 1541 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4135 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1816 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2431 mm |