2008 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL. (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 185 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL. (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 383 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 100 L |
