2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK (475 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 175 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK (631 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 475 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
