2008 Citroen C5 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Citroen C5 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 Citroen C5. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2008 Citroen C5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Citroen C5 weights approximately 247 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Citroen C5, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Citroen C5 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Citroen C5 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C5 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1517 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
