1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 812 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2052 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
