1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (286 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 weights approximately 734 kg more than 1998 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 (410 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 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 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 400 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLK | 400 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3150 mm |
