2009 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 59 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, both vehicles can yield 300 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
