2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 146 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 550 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (250 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2155 kg | 2009 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
