2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 164 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Altima | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
