1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 90 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1800 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
