1997 BMW 850 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 850. (490 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 850. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2720 mm |
