1979 Mercury Cougar vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 530 kg more than 1996 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Cougar | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cougar | SLK |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
