2008 BMW 523 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 562 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 2052 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
