2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (361 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 449 kg more than 2005 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (500 Nm). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 361 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
