1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (355 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 525 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 4964 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 1715 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
