1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 135 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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 (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | CLS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1935 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5900 mm | 4940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2875 mm |
