2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (362 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Caliber. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 460 kg more than 2008 Dodge Caliber. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Caliber. (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Caliber. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caliber | CLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 62 L |
