2003 Mazda 6 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2003 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 6 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 75 L |
