2004 Infiniti I vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Infiniti I. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Infiniti I 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 178 more horse power than 2004 Infiniti I. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2004 Infiniti I. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 380 kg more than 2004 Infiniti I. 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 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, 2004 Infiniti I, 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 (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Infiniti I. (270 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Infiniti I. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2004 Infiniti I has manual transmission. 2004 Infiniti I will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Infiniti I | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Infiniti | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | I | CLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2958 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2875 mm |
