2001 Honda Insight 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 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda Insight would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2001 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 819 kg more than 2001 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Honda Insight, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda Insight | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Insight | CLK |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
