2006 Ford Ranger vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 153 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ranger | SLK |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1478 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 70 L |
