1998 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2009 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Maxima is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Maxima. (291 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 338 kg more than 2009 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Maxima. (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2009 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | CL | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5786 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 367 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 76 L |
