1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 29 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 215 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 8.6 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 | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
