2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 320 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.
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 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 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 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SLK | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
