1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC is newer by 13 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 780 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC. (351 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CLC |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
