2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2003 Porsche 996
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 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 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 245 kg more than 2003 Porsche 996.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Porsche 996. (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Porsche 996.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2003 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | CLK | 996 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2360 mm |
