2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2002 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Soarer. (276 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 190 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Soarer, 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (500 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Soarer. (430 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Soarer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2002 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SLK | Soarer |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
