2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 145 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (999 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 2280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
