1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 280 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4965 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 603 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 88 L |
