2005 Fiat Panda vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Fiat Panda is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Panda. (54 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 430 kg more than 2005 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Fiat Panda, 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Panda | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Panda | SLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
