1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 680 kg more than 1998 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 510 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLK | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 88 L |
