2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 221 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | S |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
