2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,824 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 40 kg more than 2008 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SLK | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
