1987 Mazda 626 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 626. (146 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 5 kg more than 1987 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 626. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 626. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1987 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1987 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mazda 626 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
