1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (475 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 295 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 475 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 14.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
