1971 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1971 Ford Mustang. (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 321 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Ford Mustang. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Mustang | CLS |
Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5752 cc | 4663 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 330 HP | 402 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 503 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1936 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |