1995 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 30 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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 (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
1995 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | SL | CLS |
Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2143 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 500 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |