1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (613 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 423 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 346 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (790 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CLK GTR |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 6898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 790 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1544 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
