2003 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 442 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 790 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 770 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (230 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 603 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2155 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
