1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1997 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, 2009 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SLK | 320 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2730 mm |
