2006 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 650 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 564 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CL | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 69 L |
