2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (470 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 470 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
