2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 3,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 425 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 231 kg more than 2012 McLaren MP4-12C.
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, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C has automatic transmission and 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | McLaren |
| Model | CLK | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2670 mm |
