1978 Citroen LNA vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen LNA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen LNA would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1978 Citroen LNA. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen LNA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 680 kg more than 1978 Citroen LNA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Citroen LNA, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen LNA. (49 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen LNA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen LNA | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LNA | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
