1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 390 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
