1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1250 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | SLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 53 L |
