1997 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Mustang (590 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 322 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 675 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang.
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, 1997 Ford Mustang (728 Nm) has 378 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (350 Nm). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | CLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 590 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 728 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
