2008 BMW X3 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 548 kg more than 1997 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 X3 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2008 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | X3 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1818 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
