2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2011 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (299 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SLK | 320 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4102 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1788 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1298 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2431 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
