2004 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (248 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 240 kg more than 2011 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
