1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 15 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 329 kg more than 1998 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (900 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 585 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 0 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 900 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | TBD |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1806 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5106 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2139 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1426 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2955 mm |
