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Mercedes CL Class & Dodge Viper Comparison

Mercedes CL Class Overview

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a rare animal in the automotive kingdom; a large luxury coupe capable of seating two rear passengers while simultaneously shoving them into their seatbacks with abundant power. Other two-doors can boast either of these, but the CL manages both and features sumptuous leather-adorned interiors to boot. Now in its fourth generation, the CL has undergone a few name changes over the years, but it has continuously maintained its status as Mercedes' quintessential large luxury coupe.
Whether it was called 560SEC or S500 coupe, the CL-Class has essentially been a two-door version of the Mercedes-Benz flagship sedan -- today's S-Class. Although the CL now ventures a little farther from momma in terms of styling, it has retained its close family ties. Since it's based on such a large sedan, the CL is more of an autobahn-storming, boulevard-cruising luxo coupe, rather than a road-carving GT like a BMW 6 Series or Jaguar XKR.

The current Mercedes-Benz CL-Class first donned its pretty face (and tail) as a 2007 model following the successful launch of the recently redesigned S-Class. Like the Benz flagship sedan, the CL is crammed full of the latest and greatest safety, comfort and entertainment technologies the engineering wizards from Stuttgart have been able to craft. The CL ventures farther from the S-Class than past generations in terms of exterior styling, featuring curvier, more muscular lines than its subdued predecessor. It also grew slightly in length, width and height versus the previous CL, while remaining 5 inches shorter than the S-Class. This girth makes the CL much larger and hundreds of pounds heavier than its closest competitors.
There are four trim levels and engines: CL550 (382-horsepower V8), CL600 (510-hp V12), CL63 AMG (514-hp V8) and CL65 AMG (604-hp V12). A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard on the V8-powered models, while a more robust five-speed auto is standard on the torque-rich V12s. Highlights for the CL550 include 18-inch wheels, 14-way power front seats with heat and memory, a hard-drive-based navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an 11-speaker surround-sound system with a hard drive capable of storing MP3 files. There are also a full array of Mercedes' latest high-tech safety features should all that high-speed fun come to an abrupt stop.

Standard features on the CL600, and options on the CL550, include Keyless Go entry and exit, cooled front seats, infrared night vision system and Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control that can automatically accelerate and brake even in stop-and-go traffic. The AMG models are equipped more like the CL550, but focus on performance with unique exterior enhancements, a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance brakes and AMG multicontour leather sport seats.

In our Mercedes-Benz CL-Class reviews, we were impressed by the CL's striking appearance, top-quality interiors, competent handling and three thumping engines. For a step further, the CL65's 738 lb-ft is enough torque to slightly alter Earth's orbit. Past Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Models

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class produced from 2000-'06 was lighter, less expensive and much sleeker than its massive, brick-shaped predecessor. The CL500, powered by a 302-hp V8, was the only model offered initially, with the 362-hp, V12-powered CL600 and the 354-hp, V8-powered CL55 AMG arriving in 2001. As usual, Mercedes used the CL to showcase its latest technologies such as Active Body Control, Distronic adaptive cruise control and PreSafe (for 2003). Mercedes also used '03 to introduce the now-turbocharged CL600 and now-supercharged CL55 AMG, both pumping out 493 hp. The CL500 added a seven-speed automatic transmission in 2004, while an AMG Sport Package was added to the CL500 and CL600 as standard equipment for this generation's last year.

At the time, our editors were impressed with its powerful engine choices, dizzying array of high-tech features, classic styling and comfortable long-distance cruising ability. The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class had a slight identity crisis, beginning its life as the 500SEC and 600SEC in 1993, changing into the S-Class Coupe in 1994 and finally settling with today's CL-Class moniker in 1998. It was offered with a 315-hp V8 and a new 389-hp V12 engine, neither of which changed during this generation's lifespan. As with today's generation, our editors couldn't find much to fault about this generation with its ample combination of size, luxury and power. The original flagship sedan-based Mercedes-Benz luxury coupe was known as the SEC, which lived from 1981-'91. The 1986-'91 editions had a 238-hp, 5.6-liter V8, whereas the prior years were underpowered with a 3.8-liter, 155-hp V8. With its especially commodious rear seat, the 560SEC was actually considered a two-door sedan. This generation was also one of the first vehicles to offer airbags, antilock brakes, traction control and a self-leveling suspension.

Dodge Viper & Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Comparison

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class to the dealership as the Dodge Viper. When it comes to MSRP, the Viper costs tremendously less than the CL-Class.

Utility

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class will most definitely prove more practical than the Dodge Viper for those of you with frequent kid-cargo.

Comfort

While the front cabin in the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class offers a bit more head room than the Dodge Viper, there honestly isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions

The Mercedes-Benz is significantly heavier than the Dodge Viper. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class than the Dodge Viper because of its more capacious tank. The Dodge Viper and the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class compete for the same parking spaces. The Dodge Viper's shorter wheelbase may produce a less-settled highway ride but a more agile feel in daily traffic than the Mercedes-Benz.

Handling

The Dodge has tremendously bigger tires than the Mercedes-Benz. Keep in mind that bigger tires may look and feel better, while narrower tires can provide better handling in deep snow. With their similar turning circles, the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class and the Dodge Viper quite certainly handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain

The Dodge has a larger engine than the CL-Class. Keep in mind that smaller engines are often cheaper to fix, but smaller engines can be stressed more. The Dodge has no lessons to learn when it comes to pickup from the CL-Class.

Overview

The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Dodge Viper isn't quite as generous as the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class's. When it comes to warranty against rust, the Dodge Viper has tremendously better coverage than the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.

Other

The Dodge Viper emits fewer smog-forming pollutants per 15,000 miles than the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.  

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