1987 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. Both 1987 BMW 318 and 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 534 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2431 mm |
