Performance Review: Mercedes CLK DTM AMG 5.4 V8 - [2004]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes CLK Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG 5.4 V8 is the 5 speed / Semi-Auto version and was first brought out in 2004. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 and the 2005 SSC Aero SC 8T 6.3L.This particular Mercedes CLK has a 5439cc Supercharged 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 1748 kgs (3853 lbs) this makes the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG 5.4 V8 in the same weight category as the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes CLK shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mercedes AMG One 1.6 V6 Turbo Hybrid (566 bhp)

In terms of power the 5439cc 24V V8 engine produces 574 bhp (428 kW) @ 6100 rpm similar to the 2022 Mercedes AMG One 1.6 V6 Turbo Hybrid (566 bhp) or the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo (563 bhp).

The Supercharged V8 throws out 590 lb-ft (799.9 Nm) @ 3500 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 2022 Ferrari Purosangue 6.5 V12 (351.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes CLK.

The Mercedes CLK has a Power to weight ratio of 328.3 bhp per ton and 337.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2004 CLK competing with the 2022 Ferrari Purosangue 6.5 V12 (351.6 bhp per ton) or the 2015 BMW 5 Series M5 Pure Metal Silver Edition F10 (351.3 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 337.5 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 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (361.1 lb-ft per ton) or the 2000 Ultima GTR 5.7 (360.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 3.90 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.0 secs, this made the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG 5.4 V8 as fast as the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo (3.90 secs) the 2022 Porsche 911 Sport Classic 3.7 Turbo 992 (3.90 secs) the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 Steptronic (3.90 secs) the or the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo (3.90 secs). This Mercedes CLK DTM AMG 5.4 V8 is also faster than the 3996 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Turbo Convertible (4.00 secs) the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto (4.00 secs) the 2021 Audi e-tron GT Quattro (4.00 secs) the and the 2020 BMW 4 Series M4 Coupe 3.0 Bi Turbo G82 (4.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the CLK and the 1968 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet 7.0 V8

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes CLK on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.05 secs @ 113.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1968 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet 7.0 V8 (12.00 secs), the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (12.00 secs), and the 2017 Seat Leon SC Cupra 300 (12.01 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2004 version of the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG 5.4 V8 has a maximum speed of 199mph.

Top Speed of the 2004 CLK equals the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 6.2 V8 Supercharged C7 (210 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2004 Mercedes CLK DTM AMG 5.4 V8 then how about the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 6.2 V8 Supercharged C7 (210 mph), the 2018 Lamborghini SC18 Alston 6.5 V8 (210 mph), or the 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster 6.0 V12 (210 mph).

Related Links:

2004 CLK Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison