1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 39 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 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (182 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
