1985 AC Cobra vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 AC Cobra would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1985 AC Cobra. (223 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1985 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 460 kg more than 1985 AC Cobra. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (500 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 AC Cobra. (407 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 AC Cobra. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1985 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1985 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 AC Cobra | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | SLK |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
