1988 BMW 530 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 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1988 BMW 530. (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 138 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 (299 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 530. (261 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 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2431 mm |
