1981 BMW 725 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 725 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1981 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 725.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 725 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 725 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2440 mm |
