1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman is newer by 14 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (320 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 150 kg more than 2012 Porsche Cayman.
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, 2012 Porsche Cayman (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | CLK | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1306 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 64 L |
