1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (178 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1998 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (255 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 75 L |
