1971 Buick GS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1971 Buick GS. (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 103 kg more than 1971 Buick GS. 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 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Buick GS. (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Buick GS. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1971 Buick GS has manual transmission. 1971 Buick GS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick GS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GS | CLS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2875 mm |
