1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (305 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 645 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade, 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda Ballade | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Ballade | CLS |
Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1491 cc | 3498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 305 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Torque | 131 Nm | 370 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
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 | 1090 kg | 1735 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |