2003 Acura TL vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura TL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura TL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 237 kg more than 2003 Acura TL.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL, 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | TL | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
