1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 31 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 99 L |
