2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 107 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (539 Nm) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (281 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1503 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
