2003 Acura CL vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura CL (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 218 kg more than 2003 Acura CL.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura CL | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1798 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
