2003 BMW 545 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 545 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (361 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 BMW 545. (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 545. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 545 weights approximately 129 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (500 Nm) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 545. (451 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 545.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 545 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 545 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 361 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
