Audi A3 2008 vs Mercedes SLK 2008
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.0 Diesel | 1.8 Petrol | |
| Diesel (Audi A3) engines typically outperform gasoline engines in terms of fuel efficiency and low-end torque. This makes them more economical and better suited for towing or long-distance travel. However, gasoline (Mercedes SLK) engines mostly are lighter, quieter, and offer better acceleration and responsiveness, especially in smaller vehicles. For more information, see the article "Diesel or Petrol: Fuel Economy and Key Differences." | |||
| Camshaft drive: | Timing belt | Timing chain | |
| Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 140 HP | 184 HP | |
| Torque: | 320 NM | 240 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.7 seconds | 7.6 seconds | |
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Mercedes SLK is a more dynamic driving. Audi A3 engine produces 44 HP less power than Mercedes SLK, but torque is 80 NM more than Mercedes SLK. Due to the lower power, Audi A3 reaches 100 km/h speed 2.1 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 5.3 | 7.7 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 5.9 l/100km | 8.2 l/100km | |
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The Audi A3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Audi A3 consumes 2.4 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes SLK, which means that by driving the Audi A3 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 360 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Audi A3 consumes 2.3 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes SLK. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 litres | 70 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1030 km in combined cycle | 900 km in combined cycle | |
| 1240 km on highway | 1220 km on highway | ||
| 930 km with real consumption | 850 km with real consumption | ||
| Audi A3 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: | Front wheel drive (FWD) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Audi A3) 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. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 390'000 km | 440'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Mercedes SLK engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 8 years | 13 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 12 other car models, including Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Sharan | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Mercedes C klase, Mercedes E klase, Mercedes CLK | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. | |||
| Audi A3 2008 2.0 engine: The engine is very durable and can last a long time with proper maintenance, and is also quite economical for its power. There may be some problems with the turbine geometry. It is important to use good ... More about Audi A3 2008 2.0 engine Mercedes SLK 2008 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 2008 1.8 engine | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.24 m | 4.10 m | |
| Width: | 1.76 m | 1.78 m | |
| Height: | 1.42 m | 1.30 m | |
| Audi A3 is 14 cm longer than the Mercedes SLK, 2 cm narrower, while the height of Audi A3 is 12 cm higher. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 260 litres | 208 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
674 litres | no data | |
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Audi A3 has more luggage capacity. Audi A3 has 52 litres more trunk space than the Mercedes SLK. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10.7 meters | 10.5 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Audi A3 is 0.2 metres more than that of the Mercedes SLK. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`975 | 1`705 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | high | high | |
| Mercedes SLK has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for Audi A3, so Mercedes SLK quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 6200 | 11 600 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Audi A3 has
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Mercedes SLK has
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