1978 Nissan Skyline vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 450 kg more than 1978 Nissan Skyline. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Skyline. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Skyline | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skyline | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2431 mm |
