1988 Plymouth Horizon vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. (91 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 585 kg more than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (539 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 374 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Plymouth Horizon. (165 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Plymouth Horizon | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Plymouth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Horizon | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2431 mm |
