1980 Ford Falcon vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (182 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1980 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 65 kg more than 1980 Ford Falcon. 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 (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Falcon. (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Falcon | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Falcon | SLK |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2431 mm |
