1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 16 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, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (182 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
