2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1998 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Plymouth Neon 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 157 more horse power than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 625 kg more than 1998 Plymouth Neon. 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, 1998 Plymouth Neon, 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 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Plymouth Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1998 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Plymouth |
| Model | CLS | Neon |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 79 L |
