2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 (474 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 321 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima. 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, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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 (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan Altima 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 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | CLK | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 474 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1875 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.2 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
