1972 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 383 more horse power than 1972 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 730 kg more than 1972 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 473 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Fairlane. (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Fairlane | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | CL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2954 mm |
