2003 Acura CL vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura CL would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 2003 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 375 kg more than 2003 Acura CL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura CL | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 6207 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
