2005 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL. (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 45 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
