1995 BMW M5 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW M5 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1995 BMW M5. (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M5 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (539 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW M5. (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW M5. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW M5 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:
| 1995 BMW M5 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3794 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 1725 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
