2002 BMW Z4 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 Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW Z4 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 165 more horse power than 2002 BMW Z4. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z4 weights approximately 155 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z4. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z4. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW Z4 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 Z4 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
