2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1465 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm) has 770 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (230 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLK | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 605 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
