1981 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 375 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Toronado | SLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
