2001 Acura RL vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura RL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (362 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2001 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 30 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (511 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RL | CLK |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 511 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
