2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,597 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 85 kg more than 1996 Volvo 960.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 960. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | CLK | 960 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2780 mm |
