1982 Holden Statesman vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (182 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1982 Holden Statesman. (170 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1982 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Holden Statesman weights approximately 285 kg more than 2012 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, 1982 Holden Statesman (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1982 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Holden Statesman | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Statesman | SLK |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2431 mm |
