2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 841 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 469 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2066 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
