2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Taurus (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 547 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Because 1995 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 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus, 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, 2004 Ford Taurus (281 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (191 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1503 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 53 L |
