Performance Review: Mercedes CLK 63 AMG - [2006]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes CLK Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes CLK 63 AMG is the 7 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2006. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2007 Caparo T1 3.5l V8 and the 2006 Caparo T1 2.4 V8.This particular Mercedes CLK has a 6208cc 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 1755 kgs (3869 lbs) this makes the Mercedes CLK 63 AMG in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes CLK shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp)

In terms of power the 6208cc 32V V8 engine produces 474 bhp (353 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (493 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 465 lb-ft (630.4 Nm) @ 5000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (470 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (443 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 2015 Audi A6 RS6 Avant Performance 4.0 Turbo (294.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes CLK.

The Mercedes CLK has a Power to weight ratio of 270.0 bhp per ton and 264.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2006 CLK competing with the 2015 Audi A6 RS6 Avant Performance 4.0 Turbo (294.8 bhp per ton) or the 2015 BMW 6 Series 4.4 V8 Competition Pack (294.6 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 264.9 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 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi V8 1st Gen (289.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2006 Caterham 7 Superlight R400 (289.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.50 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.6 secs, this made the Mercedes CLK 63 AMG as fast as the 2022 BMW i7 xDrive60 (4.50 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 3.0 Turbo F23 (4.50 secs) the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge 6.6 V12 Twin turbo (4.50 secs) the or the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive Cabrio 3.0 Turbo F23 (4.50 secs). This Mercedes CLK 63 AMG is also faster than the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.60 secs) the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.60 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i 3.0 Cabrio Turbo F23 (4.60 secs) the and the 2020 Audi A3 S3 Saloon (4.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the CLK and the 2001 Pontiac Firebird Formula W96 Ram Air

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes CLK on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.76 secs @ 107.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2001 Pontiac Firebird Formula W96 Ram Air (12.70 secs), the 2012 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 Supercharged (12.70 secs), and the 2015 Peugeot 308 GTi 1.6 Turbo 250 (12.70 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2006 version of the Mercedes CLK 63 AMG has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2006 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 2006 Mercedes CLK 63 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:

2006 CLK Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison