1998 Dodge Durango vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Durango. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Durango would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 278 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Durango. (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Durango. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 245 kg more than 1998 Dodge Durango. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Durango is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Durango 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 CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Durango. (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Durango.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Durango | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Durango | CL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4702 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2954 mm |
