2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2003 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Subaru Forester 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 232 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 305 kg more than 2003 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Forester. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2003 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | SLK | Forester |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 511 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
