2000 Kia Clarus vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Kia Clarus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Kia Clarus 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 226 more horse power than 2000 Kia Clarus. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2000 Kia Clarus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 310 kg more than 2000 Kia Clarus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Kia Clarus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Kia Clarus. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Kia Clarus. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2000 Kia Clarus has manual transmission. 2000 Kia Clarus 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:
| 2000 Kia Clarus | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Clarus | SLK |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
