1988 Ford Falcon vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1988 Ford Falcon. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Falcon weights approximately 49 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Falcon. (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Falcon | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Falcon | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
