2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 12 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLK | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
