1998 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 189 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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, 1998 BMW 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
