1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1997 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Parati. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Parati would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 580 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Parati, 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Parati has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Parati will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1997 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLK | Parati |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2480 mm |
