2009 BMW 323 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 323 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (409 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2009 BMW 323. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 323.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (540 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 323. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 323 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 8 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 409 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4146 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
