2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (215 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (176 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 404 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CLK | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 54 L |
