1997 Lexus GS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus GS would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lexus GS (205 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (201 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus GS weights approximately 222 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lexus GS. (275 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lexus GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lexus GS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GS | SLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2431 mm |
