1987 Mazda 626 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 16 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. Both 1987 Mazda 626 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 15 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 626. (146 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 626 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 626. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mazda 626 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
