2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2004 BMW 318 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | SLK | 318 |
Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 161 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 234 Nm | 200 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |