2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 150 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (511 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | SLK | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 511 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
