1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 34 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 395 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (511 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 450 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2007 |
| 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 | 225 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 511 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
