1996 BMW 545 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (269 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2005 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 545 (440 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (350 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 545 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
