BMW Z4 vs Mercedes-Benz SLK230
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230
Overview
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Mercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | sDrive30i | SLK230 |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2004 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Mercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $56,100 | $39,600 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Mercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 21 MPG |
| City MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 19 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.7 gal | 15.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Mercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp (best) | 192 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (best) | 200 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.3 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Mercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 9.9 cu ft (best) | 9.5 cu ft |
| Payload | 459 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,314 lbs | 3,055 lbs (best) |
| Wheelbase | 97.2 in (best) | 94.5 in |
| Length | 170.7 in (best) | 157.9 in |
| Width | 73.4 in (best) | 67.5 in |
| Height | 51.4 in (best) | 50.4 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z4sDrive30i | Mercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230 |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW Z4 | Mercedes-Benz SLK230 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | sDrive30i $56,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SLK230 $39,600 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | M40i $68,400 MSRP | — |
BMW Z4 vs Mercedes-Benz SLK230 FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 BMW Z4 vs 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 starts lower at $39,600.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
- The 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (39,600).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
- The 2026 BMW Z4 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 BMW Z4 or 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
- The 2026 BMW Z4 leads on horsepower in this comparison (382).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 BMW Z4 vs 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: BMW Z4 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).