2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 315 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 480 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.1 L/100km | 14.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
