1983 BMW 316 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 300 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
