1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (94 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 410 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK (460 Nm) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 420 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
