2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 152 kg more than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan 370Z has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan 370Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | CLS | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 72 L |
