1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 5,460 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 990 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 5460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
