1998 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 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 65 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5786 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 367 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
