2008 Smart Roadster vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Smart Roadster would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Smart Roadster | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Smart | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Roadster | SLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 5 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 60 L |
