2004 BMW 318 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (298 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 70 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (370 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 12.0 : 1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4134 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2430 mm |
