2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2003 BMW Z8
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW Z8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW Z8 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (228 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 2007 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, 2003 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (300 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2003 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SLK | Z8 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 21.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 14.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
