2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 13 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 304 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus, 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taurus | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
