1997 BMW 850 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 7 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 405 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (500 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 850. (490 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2440 mm |
