← Back to compare hub

BMW Z8 vs Mercedes-Benz SLK230

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

BMW logo

2003 BMW Z8

Mercedes-Benz logo

2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230

Overview

SpecBMW Z8BaseMercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230
Selected trimBaseSLK230
Body styleConvertibleConvertible
Drivetrainrear wheel driverear wheel drive
Fuel typepremium unleaded (required)premium unleaded (required)
Transmission6-speed manual6-speed manual
Engine typegasgas
Model year20032004

Pricing & market

SpecBMW Z8BaseMercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230
MSRP$131,500$39,600 (best)
For sale now00

Fuel economy & range

SpecBMW Z8BaseMercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230
Combined MPG15 MPG21 MPG (best)
City MPG12 MPG19 MPG (best)
Highway MPG19 MPG26 MPG (best)
Fuel tank19.3 gal (best)15.9 gal

Performance

SpecBMW Z8BaseMercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230
Horsepower394 hp (best)192 hp
Torque368 lb-ft (best)200 lb-ft
Engine size4.9 L (best)2.3 L
CylindersV8I4

Size & capability

SpecBMW Z8BaseMercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230
Seating2 seats2 seats
Doors22
Cargo volume5.1 cu ft9.5 cu ft (best)
Curb weight3,495 lbs3,055 lbs (best)
Wheelbase98.6 in (best)94.5 in
Length173.2 in (best)157.9 in
Width72 in (best)67.5 in
Height51.9 in (best)50.4 in

Safety & recalls

SpecBMW Z8BaseMercedes-Benz SLK230SLK230
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reportedNone 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.

TrimBMW Z8Mercedes-Benz SLK230
1

Base

$131,500 MSRP(Currently comparing)

SLK230

$39,600 MSRP(Currently comparing)

BMW Z8 vs Mercedes-Benz SLK230 FAQ

Which is better: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 BMW Z8 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: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 starts lower at $39,600.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (39,600).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (21).
Which has better horsepower: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
The 2003 BMW Z8 leads on horsepower in this comparison (394).