2003 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (620 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 760 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Porsche 911. (699 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Porsche 911. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | CL | 911 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 603 HP | 620 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2155 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4468 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 67 L |
