1980 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 385 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 560 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 694 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (306 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | S | CL |
Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3818 cc | 5980 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 218 HP | 603 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 306 Nm | 1000 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 93 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 2155 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |