2008 BMW 320 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1996 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
