2008 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (305 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 310 kg more than 2008 Porsche 911.
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, both vehicles can yield 370 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2008 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2008 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Porsche 911 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 911 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 280 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
