1989 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (268 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 365 kg more than 1989 De Tomaso Pantera.
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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 De Tomaso Pantera. (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 De Tomaso Pantera. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1989 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1989 De Tomaso Pantera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 De Tomaso Pantera | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pantera | SLK |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
