2004 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
