1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (301 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 145 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
