1997 BMW 850 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 105 kg more than 1997 BMW 850.
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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (280 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2430 mm |
