BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been rivals for decades. They compete in almost every car category as they both offer a variety of car makes and models. Regardless of their competition, which car is better between the BMW Z4 and Mercedes SLK?
The Mercedes SLK is the better car if you want luxury, comfort, and advanced features. On the other hand, BMW Z4 is the ideal car for individuals who desire performance, speed, and excellent handling. Generally, these cars are exceptional and super-fast.
For this article, we will only stick to the 2016 Mercedes SLK and 2016 BMW Z4. This is because Mercedes changed the Mercedes SLK to Mercedes SLC in 2016. So, even though the SLK and SLC are the same cars, their nomenclature is different.
Additionally, the Mercedes SLK or SLC was discontinued in 2020, while BMW Z4 is still in production to date. So, it won’t be fair if we compare the 2016 Mercedes SLK with the 2022 BMW Z4. So, our focus will be on the 2016 Mercedes SLK and 2016 BMW Z4.
How does the BMW Z4 compare to Mercedes SLK?
Exterior and interior appearance
The Mercedes SLK looks more elegant than the BMW Z4. This includes both the inside and outside. Besides, the Mercedes SLK is one of the most iconic cars of all time. What makes the SLK stand out from the BMW Z4 in terms of exterior looks is its sporty design.
Both of these cars are convertibles with a sporty demeanor, but the SLK looks sportier than the BMW Z4. Nonetheless, the BMW Z4 is quite larger as it has a wheelbase of 98.3-inches, a length of 166.9-inches, a width of 70.5-inches, and a height of 50.6-inches.
On the other hand, the Mercedes SLK has a wheelbase of 95.7-inches, a length of 162.8-inches, a width of 71.5-inches, and a height of 51.-inches. From these measurements, the BMW Z4 is longer, while the SLK is taller. Besides, the BMW Z4 also has a spacious interior, although the difference is very small.
Despite the BMW Z4 having a more spacious interior, Mercedes SLK’s interior is more comfortable and advanced. Thanks to the top-notch materials and advanced features that Mercedes adds to the interior. However, the BMW Z4 is not far off as it’s also comfortable.
Performance
Typically, BMWs perform better than Mercedes-Benz. The BMW Z4 comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine that delivers up to 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. On the contrary, the Mercedes SLK comes with a 3.5-liter premium unleaded V-6 engine that produces up to 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
Therefore, the BMW Z4 is more powerful and performs better than the Mercedes SLK. Besides, both cars have several variants. The BMW Z4 has three variants: sDrive28i Roadster with a 2.0-liter inline-4 gas engine, sDrive35i Roadster with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 gas engine, and sDrive35iS Roadster with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 gas engine.
The Mercedes SLK has only two trims: the SLK 300 Roadster with a 2.0-liter inline-4 gas engine and SLK 350 Roadster with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine. What’s more, the higher Mercedes trim can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 167mph.
Nevertheless, the BMW Z4’s highest trim is much faster as it can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds, but it is quite slower with a top speed of 155mph. Even though the BMW Z4 starts faster, the Mercedes SLK is quicker.
Price
It may come as a surprise but the BMW Z4 is costlier than the Mercedes SLK. The base BMW Z4 (sDrive28i) costs about $49800, while the high-end trim (sDrive35is) costs around $66,300. On the other hand, the base Mercedes SLK (SLK 300) costs around $47,000, while the top trim (SLK 350) costs around $59,250.
When you compare BMW Z4 and Mercedes SLK’s initial prices, you will find that the Mercedes SLK is way cheaper with more advanced features. The BMW Z4 may perform better and offer more space, but the Mercedes SLK is more advanced and sportier than the Z4.
FAQ
Which car is faster – Mercedes SLK or BMW Z4?
In terms of acceleration, the BMW Z4 is the faster car as it only takes 4.8 seconds to move from 0 to6 60, while the SLK takes 5.6 seconds. However, in terms of quickness, the Mercedes SLK is faster than the BMW Z4 as it has a top speed of 167mph, while the Z4 has 155mph.
Why are used Mercedes SLK and BMW Z4 so cheap?
Used Mercedes SLK and BMW Z4 are so cheap because of the high cost of repair and maintenance. What’s more, their parts are very costly and these cars break down frequently compared to mainstream cars. On top of that, they need special tools and mechanics to handle them, which ends up increasing the cost of maintenance.
Why was the Mercedes SLK changed to SLK?
Before 2017, Mercedes was producing the Mercedes SLK. However, the name changed to SLC from 2017 to 2020. Even though the features remained the same with a few changes, Mercedes changed the name to signify the car’s close relation to the C-Class sedan and GLC SUV.
Which car is more powerful – 2016 BMW Z4, Porsche 718 Boxster, Audi TT, or Mercedes SLK?
The most powerful car on this list is the Porsche Boxster. This is because its base engine delivers an outstanding 300 hp. It is followed by the base Mercedes SLK with 241 horsepower, BMW Z4 with 240 horsepower, and finally the Audi TT with 220 horsepower.
What’s more, the 2016 Porsche Boxster is the fastest as it can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds, followed by BMW Z4 with 4.8 seconds, while Audi TT and Mercedes SLK both clock at 5.6 seconds.
Bottom line
The BMW Z4 roadster performs way better and it’s more spacious than the Mercedes SLK roadster. On the other hand, the Mercedes SLK comes with a more handsome exterior and interior, and it’s also more advanced and luxurious than the BMW Z4. Despite offering more features, the Mercedes SLK is much cheaper and more reliable.
