2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 210 kg more than 2003 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | CLK | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2683 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.2 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
