1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 527 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 135 kg more than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 815 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 80 L |
