2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 200 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1985 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
