2003 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 520 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 520 | SLK |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1500 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4135 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1816 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2431 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |