1997 BMW S3 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW S3 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (201 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 132 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
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 S3 (330 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (310 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 BMW S3 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | S3 | SLK |
Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 260 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 330 Nm | 310 Nm |
Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1500 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1816 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2431 mm |