2002 Acura CL vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura CL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Acura CL. (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2002 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 235 kg more than 2002 Acura CL. 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, 2002 Acura CL, 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 (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura CL | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | CLS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
