2009 BMW 320 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (215 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1999 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 BMW 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
