1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1972 Toyota Century
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Century would be higher. At 2,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Century. (127 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Toyota Century weights approximately 430 kg more than 1998 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, 1972 Toyota Century (236 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1972 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SLK | Century |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| 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 | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2870 mm |
