2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1997 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Plymouth Neon would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1997 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 556 kg more than 1997 Plymouth Neon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Plymouth Neon, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Plymouth Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1997 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Plymouth |
| Model | CLK | Neon |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 79 L |
