Mercedes SLK 2004 vs Volkswagen Beetle 2003
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.8 Petrol | 1.9 Diesel | |
| Petrol engines (Mercedes SLK) are generally quieter, smoother, and better suited for short trips due to quicker warm-up times. Diesel (Volkswagen Beetle) engines, on the other hand, offer superior fuel efficiency and torque, making them ideal for long-distance driving and heavy loads. Read more: Petrol vs. Diesel: Fuel Economy and Key Differences. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 163 HP | 100 HP | |
| Torque: | 240 NM | 240 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.3 seconds | 12.4 seconds | |
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Mercedes SLK is more dynamic to drive. Mercedes SLK engine produces 63 HP more power than Volkswagen Beetle, the torque is the same for both cars. Thanks to more power Mercedes SLK reaches 100 km/h speed 4.1 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.8 | 5.5 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 9.1 l/100km | 6.0 l/100km | |
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The Volkswagen Beetle is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Mercedes SLK consumes 3.3 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volkswagen Beetle, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Mercedes SLK could require 495 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Mercedes SLK consumes 3.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volkswagen Beetle. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 litres | 55 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 790 km in combined cycle | 1000 km in combined cycle | |
| 1040 km on highway | 1190 km on highway | ||
| 760 km with real consumption | 910 km with real consumption | ||
| Volkswagen Beetle gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Volkswagen Beetle) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (Mercedes SLK) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
| Mercedes SLK 2004 1.8 engine: The most notable issue with this engine is the sticking of exhaust valves due to carbon buildup. Another significant problem is the unreliable timing chain, which can stretch by 100,000 km. Early symptoms of a ... More about Mercedes SLK 2004 1.8 engine | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.09 m | 4.08 m | |
| Width: | 1.79 m | 1.72 m | |
| Height: | 1.30 m | 1.50 m | |
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Mercedes SLK is larger, but lower. Mercedes SLK is 1 cm longer than the Volkswagen Beetle, 7 cm wider, while the height of Mercedes SLK is 20 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 208 litres | 270 litres | |
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Volkswagen Beetle has more luggage space. Despite its longer length, Mercedes SLK has 62 litres less trunk space than the Volkswagen Beetle. This could mean that the Mercedes SLK uses more space in the cabin, so the driver and passengers could be more spacious and comfortable. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10.5 meters | 10.9 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Mercedes SLK is 0.4 metres less than that of the Volkswagen Beetle, which means Mercedes SLK can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`705 | 1`740 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | high | above average | |
| Mercedes SLK has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Volkswagen Beetle has serious deffects in 35 percent more cases than Mercedes SLK, so Mercedes SLK quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 7200 | 3400 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Mercedes SLK has
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Volkswagen Beetle has
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