2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 22 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
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, 2003 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2003 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | CLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4600 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1478 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
