1984 BMW 323 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,314 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1984 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 960 kg more than 1984 BMW 323. 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 323. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1984 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1984 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 323 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2314 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
