2004 BMW 120 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (141 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2003 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 SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 120. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
