2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2020 Porsche 911

The 2020 Porsche 911 was a head-turner in Miami, reminiscent of the car driven by Will Smith in "Bad Boys For Life." The 911's design, especially the new 992 model, was a blend of classic and modern elements. The widebody styling, vertical slats on the engine cover, and a single thin taillight wrapping around the back gave it a distinctive look. The interior, although minimalist, could be luxurious with the right upgrades. However, the base model's interior felt cheap for its price, lacking in soft leather and featuring plastic elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA had a sharp, eye-catching design, more striking than the A-Class sedan. The cabin was where the CLA truly shined, with a modern, functional, and elegant layout. The standard 7-inch digital instrument panel and center touchscreen, combined in one continuous bezel, dominated the dash. The CLA offered various trims, with the higher-end AMG models featuring more advanced equipment and larger screens. The interior was well-appointed, with dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and power-adjustable sport seats.

The 2020 Porsche 911 was a performance marvel, with its chassis and rear-engine layout providing immense grip and agility. The Carrera and Carrera 4 models featured a 3.0-liter flat-six engine with 379 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The Carrera S and 4S models upped the ante with 443 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The 911's eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, known as PDK, was standard, while a seven-speed manual was available for the S and 4S models. The 911's handling was superb, with options like rear-axle steering and adaptive dampers enhancing its capabilities. Fuel economy was decent, with the Carrera S achieving an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across its lineup. The CLA 250 produced 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with power routed through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to either front-wheel drive or available 4Matic all-wheel drive. The AMG CLA 35 delivered 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG CLA 45 boasted 382 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, with a zero-to-sixty time of just four seconds. The CLA's handling was taut and playful, though the ride could feel stiff at times, especially compared to other Mercedes models.

The 2020 Porsche 911 offered supportive front seats and large windows for easy visibility. The cabin's simplicity focused on driving, with a few toggle switches for essential functions. The infotainment system was fast and user-friendly, though some features were buried in the screen. The 911 provided 5 cubic feet of front trunk space and an additional 9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The convertible model could lower or raise its soft-top in 12 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. Overall, the 911 was practical for daily use, with no extreme design elements hindering usability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA, being a subcompact sedan, had its pros and cons. It was maneuverable in tight spaces and had spacious front seats, but the rear seats and trunk were tight. The trunk offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which was small even for its segment. The coupe-like profile compromised rear headroom and legroom, making the rear seats less usable. However, the front-seat space was well-utilized, with ergonomic controls and decent-sized cupholders and in-door cubbies.

The 2020 Porsche 911 came standard with navigation, Apple CarPlay (wireless), Android Auto, and high-resolution touchscreens. Porsche Connect provided remote functions and onboard LTE WiFi. However, the base stereo system was subpar, and many desirable features like heated seats and power-folding mirrors were optional. Advanced options included a night-vision camera, Porsche InnoDrive, and various performance-enhancing technologies like dynamic engine mounts and carbon-ceramic brakes.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured the MBUX infotainment system, controllable via touchscreen, center console dial, or voice recognition. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless versions were not available. The CLA exclusively used USB-C outlets, which might require adaptors for some users. The MBUX system had a sensible layout and allowed for minimal distraction once familiarized.

The 2020 Porsche 911 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection and front/rear parking sensors. Optional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA came with a solid list of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety features were available through packages, such as the Driver Assistance package, which added adaptive cruise control, rear collision braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive headlights and a parallel park assist with a surround-view monitor were also available.