1988 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 531 kg more than 1988 Ford Mustang. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2440 mm |
