1986 Ford Telstar vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Telstar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Telstar would be higher. Both 1986 Ford Telstar and 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1986 Ford Telstar. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Telstar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 260 kg more than 1986 Ford Telstar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Telstar, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Telstar. (159 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Telstar. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Telstar has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Telstar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Telstar | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Telstar | SLK |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
