2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
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 CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 320 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.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will offer significantly more control. 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 CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | CLS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1392 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
