2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 10 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 190 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4134 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2430 mm |
