2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 8 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (160 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 345 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 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 | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SLK | 328 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
