Performance Review: Mercedes SLK Class 55 AMG - [2004]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes SLK Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes SLK Class 55 AMG is the 7 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2004. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 and the 2005 SSC Aero SC 8T 6.3L.This particular Mercedes SLK Class has a 5439cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The SLK Class shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the SLK Class's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1540 kgs (3395 lbs) this makes the Mercedes SLK Class 55 AMG in the same weight category as the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 5.5 V8 C8 or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes SLK Class shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 5439cc 32V V8 engine produces 355 bhp (264 kW) @ 5750 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (369 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 376 lb-ft (509.7 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mercedes SLK Class you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2001 BMW 3 Series M3 GTR E46 (255.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes SLK Class.

The Mercedes SLK Class has a Power to weight ratio of 230.5 bhp per ton and 244.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2004 SLK Class competing with the 2001 BMW 3 Series M3 GTR E46 (255.5 bhp per ton) or the 2012 Audi R8 4.2 V8 S-Tronic FSI Quattro (255.4 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mercedes SLK Class generating around 244.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2016 Mercedes C Class 63 AMG Saloon (269.1 lb-ft per ton) or the 2019 BMW 8 Series M8 Gran Coupe 4.4 V8 Turbo F93 (269.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.90 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.1 secs, this made the Mercedes SLK Class 55 AMG as fast as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2021 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (4.90 secs) the or the 2020 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 16V Touring (4.90 secs). This Mercedes SLK Class 55 AMG is also faster than the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (5.00 secs) the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (5.00 secs) the 2022 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 Turbo FL5 (5.00 secs) the and the 2020 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP (5.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SLK Class and the 1986 Porsche 928 S4 5.0L V8

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes SLK Class on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.48 secs @ 101.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1986 Porsche 928 S4 5.0L V8 (13.42 secs), the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS 2.0 Turbo (13.43 secs), and the 1999 Audi A6 S6 4.2 Quattro (13.44 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2004 version of the Mercedes SLK Class 55 AMG has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2004 SLK Class equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2004 Mercedes SLK Class 55 AMG then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2004 SLK Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison