1974 Holden Statesman vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Holden Statesman (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Holden Statesman weights approximately 245 kg more than 2003 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, 1974 Holden Statesman (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1974 Holden Statesman has manual transmission. 1974 Holden Statesman will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Holden Statesman | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Statesman | SLK |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
