2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1997 Nissan Primera
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Primera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Primera would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Primera. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Primera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 575 kg more than 1997 Nissan Primera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Primera, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Primera. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Primera. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Primera has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Primera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1997 Nissan Primera | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | CLS | Primera |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2610 mm |
