carthinker

Hi!

I'm actively considering a new SLK for a "fun" car. I really liked the SLK - but one thing holds me back. I can't quite get my arms around the safety data on the car. I can't seem to find any crash tests. It's a small car - but safety is pretty important to me. I've been considering a CLK350 or a Corvette as my other options. Both have pretty strong safety records. If I could convince myself that the SLK was a safe car despite its size, I'd grab one today.

If anyone has seen anything or has any guidance on this, I'd be really grateful!

Thanks!

wil_sutton

I've only actually seen what MB throws out there, but I feel safe... it's hard not to feel safe when you know you have 8 airbags for 2 seats... (although I understand it may be 6 in some markets. I've heard some markets do not include the knee bolster bags.)

carthinker

True. The roll bars are good too. But the car is light, narrow and short. Gives me cause to pause. But the thing feels very solid on the road. I just wish there was something else to go on!!

lennyr

The car is light? It weighs 3,300lbs. That's heavier than a Corvette. My current car (SLK55 coming next month) weighs 2,400, and thanks to its agility I've never been in an accident with it (knock wood). With the power, handling, and electronic nanny features of an SLK, you should be able to avoid a lot of incidents a tank-like car would get into, and with the zillion airbags and other safety features, you should do pretty well in a hairy situation.

bloflin

New Model, hasn't been out long enough to have enough data for a "safety record".

Best bet would be to look at the SLK320 for reference. As the size, shape, weight is similiar. Don't know about the structure (i.e. frame differences).

However, the actual cars are very different (style, options, engines, material, etc.).

RoadkingHI

I agree, with the numerous air bags (well hidden) and the roll bar, seat construction and quickness of the car I feel very secure and safe.... now of course this comes from a guy that just rode his Harley to work !!!!
Seriously, I had two cars totaled, both Mercedes, that were hit. I not only walked away (in both cases their had to be towed) but I drove away as well. VERY secure and safety minded in their manufacturing.

vantage78

Sorry, I didn't know the Vette was a safe car? Not trying to be sarcastic...

carthinker

ME NEITHER!! IF you look at the iihs.org website, the corvette is statistically the safest car (not SUV) out there. Who knew! Now, that could have a lot to do with how it is driven - but still - impressive. Ever seen a vette w/o it's skin? It is a metal dune buggy.

The New SLK has more sophisticated airbags and a nice structure. I just can't get a safety sense on teh car. It weighs more than a vette (by a little), but it is smaller.

wil_sutton

I have to agree that the vette is fairly safe for its class. My grandfather was broadsided by an Escort going about 50 mph on the driver door in his '91 vette (he had several of them). He walked away with a cracked rib only, despite the softball size hole in the fiber on his door.

Dunno about the numbers, but from what I've seen they're not bad, but as with the rest of GMs, I can't imagine it's any safer than a benz.

carthinker

FYI: An interesting thing is to look at the results on wreckedexotics.com - the corvette looks very good in all of its hits. The SLK information is not too populated. The vette does well - the real issue for me though is -- what can I look to to say "Hey, the SLK that you like so much is a good, safe choice." Why shouldn't I buy a vette or an XLR if safety is very important to me. It's a hard one.