1990 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (5 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 461 kg more than 1990 BMW 316.
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 (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 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:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 5 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1080 kg | 1541 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
