2004 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (5 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 726 kg more than 2004 Smart ForTwo.
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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2004 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2004 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Smart | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | ForTwo | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 5 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 60 L |
