1961 Ford Prefect vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 586 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1502 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. 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 CL (999 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 928 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1961 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1961 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prefect | CL |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 2280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 90 L |
