1998 Holden Commodore vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1998 Holden Commodore. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1998 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Holden Commodore weights approximately 370 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Holden Commodore. (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Holden Commodore. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1998 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1998 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Holden Commodore | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Commodore | SLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2440 mm |
