1996 BMW 730 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 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 730 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 506 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
