2009 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 330 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2185 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 88 L |
