2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. (323 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 15 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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 CLS (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6207 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 507 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.2 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
