2002 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (215 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (311 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (280 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
