1964 Volvo 120 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1964 Volvo 120. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1964 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 805 kg more than 1964 Volvo 120. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 475 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volvo 120. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Volvo 120 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 120 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1778 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
