1989 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. (158 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 365 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix has manual transmission. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Grand Prix | CLS |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
