2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1998 Porsche 993
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Porsche 993. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Porsche 993 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Porsche 993 (283 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Porsche 993 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1998 Porsche 993 (347 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Porsche 993 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1998 Porsche 993 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SLK | 993 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2280 mm |
