2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2011 Audi A7
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Audi A7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Audi A7 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 92 more horse power than 2011 Audi A7. (310 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2011 Audi A7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Audi A7 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2011 Audi A7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi A7 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Audi A7. (440 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Audi A7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2011 Audi A7 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
| Model | CLS | A7 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2913 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 75 L |
