2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (215 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 400 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (311 Nm). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
