1996 Ford Probe vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Probe would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 865 kg more than 1996 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Probe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 529 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Probe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Probe | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Probe | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 2095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 90 L |
