1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 58 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,859 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 332 kg more than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Bel Air | CLS |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3859 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
