2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 240 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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 (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | 300 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2810 mm |
