1996 Nissan Skyline vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Skyline. (271 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 680 kg more than 1996 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Skyline, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Skyline. (368 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Skyline. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Skyline | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skyline | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2569 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 368 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2954 mm |
