2001 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 460 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (278 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Pontiac Grand Am | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Grand Am | CLS |
Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3498 cc | 4663 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 402 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 600 Nm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1890 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2875 mm |