1968 Volvo 145 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 145. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 580 kg more than 1968 Volvo 145. 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 (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 443 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 145. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Volvo 145 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 145 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2875 mm |
