1962 Honda S500 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 344 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 545 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 491 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1962 Honda S500 has manual transmission. 1962 Honda S500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S500 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
