2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1998 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Camry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Camry would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Camry. (126 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Camry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 360 kg more than 1998 Toyota Camry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Camry, 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 CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Camry. (188 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Camry.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1998 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | CLS | Camry |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2680 mm |
