2003 BMW 320 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 320 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 320 | SLK |
Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 234 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |