1996 Lancia Kappa vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lancia Kappa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lancia Kappa would be higher. Both 1996 Lancia Kappa and 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Lancia Kappa. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Lancia Kappa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 220 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Kappa, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lancia Kappa. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lancia Kappa. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1996 Lancia Kappa has manual transmission. 1996 Lancia Kappa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lancia Kappa | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Kappa | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
