1997 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1997 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 115 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Mustang. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2431 mm |
