2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2003 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Avensis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Avensis 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 271 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Avensis. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Avensis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 555 kg more than 2003 Toyota Avensis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Avensis, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 439 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Avensis. (161 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Avensis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2003 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | CLS | Avensis |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
