2005 BMW 325 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 BMW 325 is newer by 1 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 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 171 more horse power than 2005 BMW 325. (184 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 325 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (500 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 325. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 325 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 234 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
