1997 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 470 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | SL | SLK |
Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 234 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 78.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |