1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (503 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 293 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 2183 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2130 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1419 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2955 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
