1971 Fiat 850 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 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 850 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 213 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 850.
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 551 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 850 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2875 mm |
