1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 280 kg more than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cutlass | CLS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2875 mm |
