1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 439 kg more than 1999 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
