2003 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (160 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 80 kg more than 2003 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
