2003 Alpina Roadster vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Alpina Roadster is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina Roadster (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (185 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 424 kg more than 2003 Alpina Roadster.
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, 2003 Alpina Roadster (362 Nm) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (271 Nm). This means 2003 Alpina Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2003 Alpina Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Alpina Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina Roadster | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Roadster | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 2050 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2810 mm |
