1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 11 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander 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 168 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
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, 2009 Toyota Highlander, 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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | CLK | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 73 L |
