2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 58 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (181 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Altima | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
