2008 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 290 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
