2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 135 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLK | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2512 mm |
