2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1996 BMW 735
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 735. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 735 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1996 BMW 735. (232 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 735. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 735 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (511 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 735. (321 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 735.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1996 BMW 735 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SLK | 735 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 511 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
