2003 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (174 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 590 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (425 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2604 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 425 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
