2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1990 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1990 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist. (57 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1990 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 340 kg more than 1990 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1990 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | SLK | 1.3 l Tourist |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2460 mm |
