2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1958 Porsche 356
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Porsche 356 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 281 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 445 kg more than 1958 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 391 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1958 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1958 Porsche 356 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:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1958 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SLK | 356 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
