1998 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1998 Ford Mustang is newer by 2 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Mustang weights approximately 65 kg more than 1996 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, 1998 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Mustang | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
