1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 298 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (220 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 144 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (265 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | CL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2960 mm |
