1997 Honda NSX 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 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda NSX would be higher. At 6,208 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (877 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 587 more horse power than 1997 Honda NSX. (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 388 kg more than 1997 Honda NSX. 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 (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1997 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | CLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 877 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1758 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
