1988 BMW 535 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535.
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, 1988 BMW 535 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (300 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
