2008 BMW 545 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 BMW 545 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 545 weights approximately 705 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2008 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 545 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 545 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
