1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 365 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
