1975 Ford Fairlane vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1975 Ford Fairlane. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 90 kg more than 1975 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (500 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Fairlane. (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Fairlane | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | SLK |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4096 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2440 mm |
