1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1989 Porsche 944
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,477 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Porsche 944 (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 10 kg more than 1989 Porsche 944.
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, 1989 Porsche 944 (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1989 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SLK | 944 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2477 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
