2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 190 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 SLK (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SLK | CLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
