2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 940 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (241 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | CLS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4663 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
