2009 Audi R8 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Audi R8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Audi R8 would be higher. At 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (420 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (182 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 540 kg more than 2009 Audi R8.
Because 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 will offer significantly more control. 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 Audi R8 (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2009 Audi R8 has manual transmission. 2009 Audi R8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi R8 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | R8 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
