1972 Ford Torino vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Torino would be higher. At 4,096 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1972 Ford Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Torino weights approximately 219 kg more than 2008 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 Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Torino | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Torino | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4096 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1609 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 70 L |
