2002 BMW 332 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 332. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 332 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 17 more horse power than 2002 BMW 332. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 332. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 332 weights approximately 415 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 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 332. (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 332. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 332 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:
| 2002 BMW 332 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 332 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
