1983 Ford Fairlane vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fairlane (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 360 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fairlane | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | SLK |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
