1997 Lexus GS vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus GS would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1997 Lexus GS. (205 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Lexus GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus GS weights approximately 497 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lexus GS. (275 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lexus GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lexus GS | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GS | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2860 mm |
