1992 BMW 316 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1992 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 316 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 316. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1992 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1992 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 316 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
