2004 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2011 Ferrari California
To start off, 2011 Ferrari California is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 130 kg more than 2011 Ferrari California.
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, 2011 Ferrari California (483 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 Ferrari California will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2011 Ferrari California has manual transmission. 2011 Ferrari California will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2011 Ferrari California | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ferrari |
| Model | CL | California |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 460 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4562 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1308 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 99 L | 78 L |
