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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (377 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 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. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2009 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (392 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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 | 5461 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 377 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 1835 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
