1998 BMW 325 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (160 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 69 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (230 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
