2006 Ford E-350 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Ford E-350 is newer by 3 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 5,406 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford E-350 weights approximately 1566 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.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-350, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford E-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford E-350 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-350 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5406 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 70 L |
