1998 BMW 320 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
