2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (475 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (165 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 235 kg more than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Mercedes-Benz CLK (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1988 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 475 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.2 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2950 mm |
