2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 65 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | CLS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 89 L |
