2004 Lancia Thesis 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 Lancia Thesis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lancia Thesis would be higher. At 1,998 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 Lancia Thesis. (182 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 195 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lancia Thesis. (309 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lancia Thesis. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2004 Lancia Thesis has manual transmission. 2004 Lancia Thesis will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lancia Thesis | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thesis | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 309 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
