1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 12 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 161 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 550 kg more than 2008 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 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
