2003 Mazda Tribute 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 Tribute. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Tribute would be higher. At 3,498 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 146 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Tribute. (122 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Tribute. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 780 kg more than 2003 Mazda Tribute. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Tribute. (175 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Tribute.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Tribute | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 70 L |
