1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 35 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.2 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
