2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 2,596 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (161 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
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, both vehicles can yield 400 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | C |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2596 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
