2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 8 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (296 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 337 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.
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, 2004 Ford Mustang (427 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
