2003 Honda Inspire 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 Honda Inspire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Inspire would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Honda Inspire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Inspire (246 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Inspire should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 260 kg more than 2003 Honda Inspire.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Inspire, 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 CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Inspire. (288 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Inspire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Inspire | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Inspire | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 246 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
