1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 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 1100 kg more than 1990 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 @ 1600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2720 mm |
