1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 30 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (182 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 80 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Mustang | SLK |
Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1435 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4135 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1816 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2431 mm |