2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1997 Honda Life
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Life would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 1997 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1100 kg more than 1997 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Life 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 542 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1997 Honda Life | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | CLS | Life |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2370 mm |
