2003 Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche Cayenne. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Porsche Cayenne would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 Porsche Cayenne. (444 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Porsche Cayenne. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche Cayenne weights approximately 490 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2003 Porsche Cayenne is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Porsche Cayenne 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 (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Porsche Cayenne. (620 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Porsche Cayenne.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Porsche Cayenne | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cayenne | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4511 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2430 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
