2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 200 kg more than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 701 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
