2005 BMW 535 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 BMW 535 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 3,428 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 535 (241 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 535 weights approximately 395 kg more than 2003 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, 2005 BMW 535 (330 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 535 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
