Performance Review: Mercedes CLK 55 AMG - [1999]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes CLK Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes CLK 55 AMG is the 5 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1999. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the and the .This particular Mercedes CLK has a 5439cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The CLK shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the CLK's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1620 kgs (3571 lbs) this makes the Mercedes CLK 55 AMG in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW Z4 M40i 3.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes CLK shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 5439cc 24V V8 engine produces 342 bhp (255 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4 2.0 Turbo (360 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 376 lb-ft (509.7 Nm) @ 3000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mercedes CLK you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1999 Aston-Martin DB7 Vantage (235.9 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes CLK.

The Mercedes CLK has a Power to weight ratio of 211.1 bhp per ton and 232.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1999 CLK competing with the 1999 Aston-Martin DB7 Vantage (235.9 bhp per ton) or the 1973 DeTomaso Pantera GTS 5.8 V8 (235.8 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mercedes CLK generating around 232.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia (257.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 2010 Bentley Continental SuperSports Flying Star (257.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.5 secs, this made the Mercedes CLK 55 AMG as fast as the 2019 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 300 Trophy-R (5.30 secs) the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (5.30 secs) the 2017 Land-Rover Velar 3.0 V6 Supercharged 360 (5.30 secs) the or the 2017 Mercedes G Class 63 AMG (5.30 secs). This Mercedes CLK 55 AMG is also faster than the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (5.40 secs) the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (5.40 secs) the 2019 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi TCR 2.0 Turbo (5.40 secs) the and the 2019 Jaguar F Type 2.0 Turbo Cabriolet (5.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the CLK and the 1998 Honda NSX 3.2 V6

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes CLK on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.87 secs @ 98.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1998 Honda NSX 3.2 V6 (13.81 secs), the 2013 Audi A8 4.2 TDi Quattro (13.81 secs), and the 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 265 (13.81 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1999 version of the Mercedes CLK 55 AMG has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 1999 CLK equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1999 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

1999 CLK Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison