1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 16 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 68 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | S | CLS |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4973 cc | 4663 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 317 HP | 402 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 470 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1936 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |