2001 Acura CL vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura CL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura CL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 85 kg more than 2001 Acura CL.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura CL, 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, 2001 Acura CL (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2001 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura CL | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | CLK |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
