2008 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 5 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2003 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 318 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 318 | SLK |
Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 234 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |