1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC is newer by 15 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 990 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 (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CLC |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
