2003 Acura TL vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura TL would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2003 Acura TL. (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 358 kg more than 2003 Acura TL. 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 all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Acura TL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will offer significantly more control. 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 (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | TL | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
