2003 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 318 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 318 | SLK |
Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1270 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |