2005 Nissan 350Z vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z 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 3,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 545 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 Nissan 350Z (372 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2005 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2005 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Nissan 350Z | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 350Z | SLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3489 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
