1971 Cadillac Fleetwood 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 Cadillac Fleetwood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood would be higher. At 7,725 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood. (345 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 287 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will offer significantly more control. 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, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood (679 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fleetwood | CLS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7725 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 679 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2223 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5810 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2875 mm |
