1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1962 Rover P5
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1962 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1962 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Rover P5 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 1962 Rover P5 (218 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1962 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1962 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rover |
| Model | SLK | P5 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 105 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2820 mm |
