2001 Acura RL vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (475 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 2001 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 55 kg more than 2001 Acura RL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RL | CLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 475 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
