Compare the2004 Nissan 350ZVS 2004 Mercedes CLK

Both the 350Z and the CLK have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four wheel antilock brakes, available front seat side-impact airbags, head airbags, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

Nissan’s powertrain warranty covers the 350Z 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the CLK. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years and 60,000 miles. Coverage on the CLK ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The 350Z’s corrosion warranty is 1 year and unlimited miles longer than the CLK’s (5/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

There are over 3 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier to get service under the 350Z’s warranty.

The 350Z’s 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 72 more horsepower (287 vs. 215) and 45 lbs.-ft. more torque (274 vs. 229) than the CLK320’s standard 3.2 SOHC V6.

The 350Z has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the CLK Coupe (20 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The 350Z offers a 6 speed manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The CLK doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The 350Z’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the CLK320 are solid, not vented.

The 350Z stops much shorter than the CLK:

For better traction, the 350Z has larger standard tires than the CLK (F:225/50R17 & R:235/50R17 vs. F:205/55R16 & R:225/50R16).

The 350Z’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) which provides a stiffer sidewall than the CLK’s standard 55 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 350Z has standard 17 inch wheels. Smaller 16 inch wheels are standard on the CLK. The 350Z’s optional 18 inch wheels are larger than the 17 inch wheels optional on the CLK.

The 350Z with 18” Tires has a standard tire pressure monitoring system, which will alert the driver to a drop in tire pressure before damage to the tire or an accident might occur. The CLK doesn’t offer a low tire pressure warning system.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 350Z is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the CLK.

The 350Z Track Coupe handles at .88 G’s, while the CLK55 Coupe pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The 350Z Touring Coupe goes through Motor Trend’s slalom 1.5 MPH faster than the CLK500 Coupe (67.8 vs. 66.3 MPH).

The Nissan 350Z may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 500 pounds less than the Mercedes CLK.

The 350Z is 1 foot, 1.2 inches shorter than the CLK, making the 350Z easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 350Z Coupe has 1.1 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more front hip room and .4 inches more front shoulder room than the CLK Coupe.

The 350Z Convertible has .8 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front legroom, 1.8 inches more front hip room and .4 inches more front shoulder room than the CLK Cabriolet.

The 350Z’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The CLK does not have an oil pressure gauge.

To improve comfort and visibility, the 350Z Coupe (late availability) has standard pull-out visor extensions that block glare better. The CLK doesn’t offer any similar feature.

Insurance will cost less for the 350Z owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 350Z will cost $1520 to $2265 less than the CLK over a five year period.