2009 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 976 kg more than 1999 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 (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 541 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 88 L |
