2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (474 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 143 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 474 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1878 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
