2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 4 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (123 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 930 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (706 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 564 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (142 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Roadster | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 706 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
