2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 625 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 CL (999 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | CL |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 454 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 2280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4724 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1796 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2766 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 90 L |
