1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2012 Ford F-150

To start off, 2012 Ford F-150 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-150 (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford F-150 weights approximately 1056 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, 2012 Ford F-150 (376 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2012 Ford F-150 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford F-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2012 Ford F-150
Make Mercedes-Benz Ford
Model SLK F-150
Year Released 1998 2012
Body Type Convertible Pickup
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1998 cc 3700 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 134 HP 302 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 190 Nm 376 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Flex Fuel
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed automatic
Vehicle Weight 1270 kg 2326 kg
Vehicle Length 4000 mm 5890 mm
Vehicle Width 1720 mm 2012 mm
Vehicle Height 1280 mm 1900 mm
Wheelbase Size 2410 mm 3670 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 75 L 98 L