2002 Lancia Thesis vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2002 Lancia Thesis is newer by 6 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lancia Thesis (213 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 480 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, 2002 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2002 Lancia Thesis (263 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2002 Lancia Thesis has automatic transmission and 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Lancia Thesis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lancia Thesis | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thesis | SLK |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 213 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1280 mm |
