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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (454 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 285 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 CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (600 Nm @ 5000 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 | 6200 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 454 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| 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 | 1655 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4724 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1796 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2766 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
