2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 4 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 12 more horse power than 2006 BMW 320. (149 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 105 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 2006 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 320. 2006 BMW 320 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. 2006 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2006 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SLK | 320 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| 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 | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
