1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 232 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLK | SL |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2052 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.6 L/100km | 18.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
