2009 Mercedes Benz C300 vs. 2009 Mercedes Benz CLK350

One valuable detail in today's automobile market: mpg. The 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 ranges from the low-20's in the city to the high-20's on the open road, whether this is a good thing or a bad thing depends on which vehicle/class you are researching. Another thing: forget that Baby Benz stuff, it is spacious enough to fit you, your family, and luggage. A seating capacity of five calls for some "family car" talk.

The 2009 Mercedes Benz CLK350 is dubbed a 2+2 car. With many vehicles, this 2+2 seating may equal four passengers, but the second two will need to be kids or patient adults. This is not the case with the CLK350; bring some friends and go for a ride. With 268 bhp, you and your friends can get where you need to go on time, though the 228 bhp C300 should not be too far behind either.


The CLK built up out of the C Class. Now it seems more synonymous with the E Class. Which do you see as more of the "next step" up: the CLK or an E Class?

2008 Mercedes Benz CLK Model Line Overview
Model lineup:	Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Coupe ($46,450); CLK350 Cabriolet ($54,500); CLK550 Coupe ($55,150); CLK550 Cabriolet ($63,200); CLK63 AMG Cabriolet ($89,500); CLK63 AMG Black Series ($135,000)
Engines:	268-hp 3.5-liter dohc 24-valveV6; 382-hp 5.5-liter dohc 32-valve V8; 475-hp 6.3-liter dohc 32-valve V8
Transmissions:	7-speed automatic
Safety equipment (standard):	dual two-stage front-impact airbags; front passenger side-impact torso airbags (coupe) or head and torso airbags (convertible); curtain-style, full cabin head protection airbags (coupe); automatic-deploying roll bars (cabriolet); Tele Aid emergency communication; antilock brakes with brake assist; electronic stability program
Safety equipment (optional):	rear passenger side-impact airbags ($390)
Basic warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled in:	Osnabrueck, Germany

Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):	Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Coupe ($46,450)
Standard equipment:	dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen and dust filter; leather upholstery; 10-way power-adjustable front seats; power tilt/telescope steering wheel; 3-setting memory for front seats, steering wheel and exterior mirrors; 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo; one-touch up/down power windows; keyless remote locking; trip computer
Options as tested (MSRP):	Sport Appearance Package ($490) includes sport suspension, cross-drilled brake rotors and ten-spoke alloy wheels; heated front seats ($700)
Destination charge:	($875)
Gas guzzler tax:	N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):	$48,415
Layout:	rear-wheel drive
Engine:	3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	268 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	258 @ 2400
Transmission:	7-speed TouchShift automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	19/28 mpg
Wheelbase:	106.9 in.
Length/width/height:	183.2/68.5/55.4 in.
Track, f/r:	58.9/58.0 in.
Turning circle:	35.3 ft.
Seating capacity:	4
Head/hip/leg room, f:	37.1/53.7/42.0 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:	N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:	35.8/45.9/33.0 in.
Cargo volume:	10.4 cu. ft.
Payload:	N/A
Towing capacity:	N/A
Suspension, f:	independent three-link, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:	independent five-link, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:	3585 in.
Curb weight:	N/A
Tires:	225/45ZR17 front; 245/40ZR17 rear
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/disc with ABS and Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:	16.4 gal.

2008 C-Class Model Line Overview
Model lineup:	Mercedes-Benz C300; C350
Engines:	228-hp 2.8-liter V6; 268-hp 3.5-liter V6
Transmissions:	7-speed automatic; 6-speed manual
Safety equipment (standard):	frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags; electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD, Pre-Safe
Safety equipment (optional):	none
Basic warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled in:	Sindelfingen, Germany

Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):	Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport
Standard equipment:	N/A
Options as tested (MSRP):	N/A
Destination charge:	N/A
Gas guzzler tax:	N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):	N/A
Layout:	rear-wheel drive
Engine:	3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	268 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	258 @ 2400
Transmission:	7-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	N/A
Wheelbase:	108.7 in.
Length/width/height:	180.4/69.7/57.0 in.
Track, f/r:	60.4/60.5 in.
Turning circle:	35.4 ft.
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	37.1/52.3/41.7 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:	N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:	36.9/54.9/33.4 in.
Cargo volume:	17.6 cu. ft.
Payload:	N/A
Towing capacity:	N/A
Suspension, f:	independent, coil springs, gas struts, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:	independent. five-link with coil springs, gas shocks, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:	N/A
Curb weight:	3498 lbs.
Tires:	P225/40ZR-17 front; P245/40ZR-17 rear
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:	17.4 gal.