2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK (269 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 325 kg more than 2005 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, both vehicles can yield 350 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS | SLK |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
