2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1998 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Porsche 911 (443 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (160 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Porsche 911 weights approximately 66 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Porsche 911 (583 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1998 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SLK | 911 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 443 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 583 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 92 L |
