1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 5 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 210 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | SLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
