2001 Dodge Stratus vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2001 Dodge Stratus is newer by 5 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 2,736 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Dodge Stratus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Dodge Stratus (200 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Stratus should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Stratus weights approximately 210 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Stratus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Dodge Stratus. (263 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Dodge Stratus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Stratus | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Stratus | SLK |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2736 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 70 L |
