2006 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1996 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW M3 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | SLK |
Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2295 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1325 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |