2004 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 291 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
