1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1999 Toyota Solara
To start off, 1999 Toyota Solara is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota Solara (190 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 40 kg more than 1999 Toyota Solara.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Solara, 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, 1999 Toyota Solara (290 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1999 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | CLK | Solara |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
