1996 BMW 540 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 535 kg more than 2009 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
