2004 BMW 325 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 BMW 325 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2004 BMW 325. (116 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 325 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1998 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, 2004 BMW 325 (220 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 325 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
