Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 SLK 200 Kompressor (163 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.2 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz SLK:

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a compact executive roadster, produced by Mercedes-Benz. It was released in 1996 and was manufactured at the Mercedes plant in Bremen, Germany, until 2020.
The former name "SLK" was derived from sportlich , leicht , and kurz. With the release of the facelift R172 in 2016, the SLK-Class was renamed to SLC-Class in accordance with the revised nomenclature adopted by Mercedes. Under this scheme, roadsters use the base name "SL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy, the letter "C", being the roadster equivalent to the C-Class....(Read more on Wikipedia)

R171 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171). With 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1315 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.9 s). The top speed reaches 228 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally featured robust safety structures and standard safety features like ABS and multiple airbags.

SLK 200 Kompressor (163 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Provides a slightly more engaging driving experience than the automatic, with brisk acceleration for its class and a direct feel.

Fuel Economy

Achieves slightly better fuel economy than the automatic version, making it the most efficient petrol option in the lineup.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast daily driver, scenic route cruising, those preferring manual control.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Iconic retractable hardtop design offers coupe security and roadster freedom
  • • Wide range of powerful and efficient engines, from Kompressor to AMG V8
  • • Engaging driving dynamics, especially with V6 and AMG models
  • • High-quality interior materials and build for its class
  • • Good used market value for a luxury roadster
  • • Distinctive Mercedes-Benz styling and brand prestige

Cons:

  • • Limited interior and trunk space, especially with the roof down
  • • Potential for costly repairs on the complex retractable roof mechanism
  • • Early M272 V6 engines (pre-2006) can suffer from balance shaft issues
  • • Fuel economy can be high on larger V6 and V8 models
  • • No Euro NCAP safety rating available for this generation
  • • Ride can be firm on sportier trims and larger wheels

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R170: August, 1996 - February, 2000).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:SLK
Generation:R171
Modification (Engine):SLK 200 Kompressor (163 Hp)
Start of production:December, 2003
End of production:December, 2007
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Roadster
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:163 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:90.8 Hp/l [94mm more]
Torque:240 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 271.944 More details about the engine M 271.944
Engine displacement:1796
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Supercharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5.5 l
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:82 mm
Piston Stroke:85 mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Maximum engine speed:6000 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.6-13 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.5-6.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):8.7-9.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):12.6-13 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):6.5-6.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.7-9.1 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.9 sec
Maximum speed:228 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.1 kg/Hp, 124 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.5 kg/Nm, 182.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.5 sec
100 km/h - 0:37 m
Space:
Kerb Weight:1315
Max. weight:1705
Max. roof load:50 kg
Max load:390
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:208 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4089 mm [94mm more]
Width:1777 mm [62mm more]
Height:1296 mm [12mm more]
Wheelbase:2430 mm [30mm more]
Width including mirrors:1970 mm
Front track:1530 mm
Rear (Back) track:1541 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.51 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs, 288 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc, 278 mm [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/55 R 16 91 V
Wheel rims size7 J x 16 H 2
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer

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