1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2009 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2009 Porsche Cayman is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 3,385 cc, 2009 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche Cayman (291 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 155 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2009 Porsche Cayman (340 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Porsche Cayman 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 | 2009 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SLK | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3385 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 96.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 78.3 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 | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2420 mm |
