2004 Mazda 6 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 6. (144 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 6 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 6 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 6 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
