2001 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander 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 185 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (217 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 176 kg more than 2001 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 @ 1800 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (301 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Highlander | CLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2875 mm |
