1988 Ford Falcon vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 18 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 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1988 Ford Falcon. (161 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 290 kg more than 1988 Ford Falcon. 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, 1988 Ford Falcon (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Falcon | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Falcon | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
