2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2001 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Solara. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 264 kg more than 2001 Toyota Solara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Solara, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Solara. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Solara. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 2001 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2001 Toyota Solara 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 | 2001 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | CLK | Solara |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.1 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1644 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
