1988 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (182 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
