2008 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 69 L |
