1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Cougar would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 Ford Cougar. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1411 kg more than 1998 Ford Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 @ 1600 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Cougar. (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cougar | CLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
