2004 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 309 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 295 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3222 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
