Performance Review: Mercedes CLK GTR 6.9 V12 - [1998]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes CLK Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes CLK GTR 6.9 V12 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1998. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the and the .This particular Mercedes CLK has a 6898cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 12 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V12's includes the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12

The CLK shares its Petrol V12 engine configuration with the likes of the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12 and the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12. 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 1544 kgs (3403 lbs) this makes the Mercedes CLK GTR 6.9 V12 in the same weight category as the 2023 Ferrari Roma Spider 3.9 V8 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes CLK shares the same bhp with the 2023 Ferrari Roma Spider 3.9 V8 Turbo (611 bhp)

In terms of power the 6898cc 48V V12 engine produces 612 bhp (456 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 2023 Ferrari Roma Spider 3.9 V8 Turbo (611 bhp) or the 2023 BMW X5 M Competition 4.4 Turbo F95 (616 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V12 throws out 568 lb-ft (770.1 Nm) @ 5250 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (568 lb-ft) or the 2023 McLaren 750S Spider 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (590 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 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale (419.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes CLK.

The Mercedes CLK has a Power to weight ratio of 396.3 bhp per ton and 367.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1998 CLK competing with the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale (419.4 bhp per ton) or the 2017 Dodge Viper GT 8.4 V10 (419.3 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 367.8 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 2018 Aston-Martin DBS 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo Superleggera (392.2 lb-ft per ton) or the 2018 Aston-Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Special Edition (392.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 3.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 3.8 secs, this made the Mercedes CLK GTR 6.9 V12 as fast as the 2022 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive 4.4 V8 Turbo G15 (3.70 secs) the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (3.70 secs) the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring 992 (3.70 secs) the or the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 992 (3.70 secs). This Mercedes CLK GTR 6.9 V12 is also faster than the 2023 BMW X5 M Competition 4.4 Turbo F95 (3.80 secs) the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo PDK 992 (3.80 secs) the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (3.80 secs) the and the 2021 Mercedes SL Class 55 4Matic+ 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (3.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the CLK and the 2010 Porsche 911 3.8 Speedster

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes CLK on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.12 secs @ 123.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2010 Porsche 911 3.8 Speedster (11.07 secs), the 2005 Bentley Continental Flying Spur 6.0 W12 (11.07 secs), and the 1979 DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 5.8 V8 (11.08 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1998 version of the Mercedes CLK GTR 6.9 V12 has a maximum speed of 200mph.

Top Speed of the 1998 CLK equals the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo (211 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1998 Mercedes CLK GTR 6.9 V12 then how about the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo (211 mph), the 2023 Aston-Martin DBS 770 Ultimate 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo (211 mph), or the 2023 Aston-Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo (211 mph).

Related Links:

1998 CLK Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison