1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1971 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1971 Toyota Publica. (38 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1971 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 650 kg more than 1971 Toyota Publica. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Toyota Publica. (63 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1971 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SLK | Publica |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2170 mm |
