1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (192 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 356 kg more than 2004 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (271 Nm). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
