2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 725 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Roadster | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
