1990 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 80 kg more than 1990 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | S | CLS |
Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5547 cc | 4663 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 297 HP | 402 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 463 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1890 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2875 mm |