2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 308 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 565 kg more than 2008 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | SLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2650 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
