1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 37 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 has manual transmission. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 350 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2830 mm |
