2003 Acura TL vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura TL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura TL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 152 kg more than 2003 Acura TL.
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, 2003 Acura TL, 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 (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | TL | CLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
