2008 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 240 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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 S (830 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
