1988 Holden Commodore vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1988 Holden Commodore. (153 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 75 kg more than 1988 Holden Commodore. 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 Holden Commodore (247 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Holden Commodore | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Commodore | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
