2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 158 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (171 Nm). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLK | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
