2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Renault Spider would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (349 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1997 Renault Spider. (140 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 855 kg more than 1997 Renault Spider. 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 SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | SLK | Spider |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5437 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2350 mm |
