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Mercedes CLK Class & Dodge Viper Comparison

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Overview

Available in a sexy coupe or dynamic convertible, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a soulful blend of style and substance. A range of powerful engines, bountiful luxury amenities, and sculpted lines are the defining characteristics of the lineup. Coupes include the CLK350 and CLK550, while convertible choices include the CLK350 Cabriolet, CLK550 Cabriolet, and CLK63 AMG.

Three engines choices redefine exhilaration. A potent 3.5 liter 24-valve V6 with 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque comes standard in the CLK350. The CLK550 steps things up with a 5.5 liter 32-valve V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. The ferocious CLK63 AMG houses a 6.3 liter AMG-built DOHC 32-valve V8 engine with a bombastic 475 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. All engines are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, with CLK350 models incorporating the Touch Shift feature, and the CLK63 AMG featuring AMG SPEEDSHIFT™ with direct manual control for 50 percent faster gear changes.

A commitment to ultimate luxury is part of the essence of a proper Mercedes-Benz, and the CLK-Class does not disappoint. With a swath of class-leading features, both the coupes and cabriolets feature amenities like dual-zone climate control, an optional advanced DVD navigation system with the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) system, a selection of 17- and 18-inch wheels, luxurious leather seating surfaces, and a fully automatic power soft top on CLK Cabriolet models. Option packages add additional features like a glass sunroof (CLK Coupes) Harman Kardon® Sound System, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, 6-disc CD changer, bi-xenon active headlamp system, and cross-drilled brake rotors

An active safety system utilizes multiple features to protect occupants from a variety of road conditions and driving hazards. Driver and front passenger are each provided with a dual-stage front air bag (adaptive for the front passenger), a side-impact air bag (coupes) or head/thorax air bag (cabriolets), and a 3-point seat belt with an Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) and adaptive belt force limiter. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) integrates all-speed traction control, which senses drive-wheel slip under acceleration. In the CLK Cabriolet models, sensor-controlled roll bars disguised as head restraints offer additional protection for top-down motoring.

With a mellifluous blend of timeless style and inspired performance, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is the perfect luxury coupe or grand touring convertible.

Dodge Viper vs. Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Comparison

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class to the dealership as the Dodge Viper. With respect to MSRP, the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class costs tremendously less than the Dodge Viper. The Viper will cost you a bunch of money in gas every year compared to the Mercedes-Benz.

Utility

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class will indubitably prove more practical than the Dodge Viper for those of you with frequent child-cargo.

Comfort

Taller drivers will substantially enjoy the extra head room in the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class's front cabin compared to the Dodge.

Dimensions

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a bit heavier than the Dodge Viper. The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class's tank is roughly the same size as the Viper's, though the Dodge Viper's is a tad more capacious. The Dodge Viper and the Mercedes-Benz compete for the same parking spaces. The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class's longer wheelbase will likely result in a smoother, more stable ride; on the other hand, the Dodge Viper may give a nimbler feel in daily traffic.

Performance

With that kind of horsepower, both the Dodge Viper and the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class are full-blown sportscars.

Handling

The Dodge Viper has tremendously wider tires than the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. Note that bigger tires might improve handling, while smaller tires might provide better handling in deep snow. With its tighter turning radius, the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is doubtless sprier than the Viper, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, keep in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain

The CLK-Class's engine is tremendously smaller than the Viper's. Note that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; on the other hand, smaller engines are often cheaper to fix. Torque equals pickup, and the Dodge Viper will have picked up and gone by the time the Mercedes-Benz finally gets moving. The Viper packs quite a punch compared to the Mercedes-Benz with respect to torque, which is roughly equivalent to acceleration.

Overview

The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Dodge Viper isn't quite as generous as the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class's. Regarding after-sale protection against corrosion, the Dodge Viper has tremendously better coverage than the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.

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