1974 Ford Fairlane vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (215 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 37 kg more than 2004 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, 1974 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (311 Nm). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | SLK |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
