2012 Nissan Maxima vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, both 2012 Nissan Maxima and 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (264 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 209 kg more than 2012 Nissan Maxima.
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, 2012 Nissan Maxima, 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 (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Maxima. (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Maxima | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maxima | CLS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4841 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
