2005 Ford Fiesta vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 246 kg more than 2005 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (137 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Fiesta. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Fiesta | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | SLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 994 kg | 1240 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 70 L |
