1971 Chevrolet El Camino 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 Chevrolet El Camino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet El Camino would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet El Camino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 344 kg more than 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. 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 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. (324 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet El Camino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet El Camino | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | El Camino | CLS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5013 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1471 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
