1973 Bitter CD vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Bitter CD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Bitter CD would be higher. At 5,353 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Bitter CD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (305 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1973 Bitter CD. (226 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1973 Bitter CD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 11 kg more than 1973 Bitter CD. 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, 1973 Bitter CD (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Bitter CD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Bitter CD | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Bitter | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CD | CLS |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5353 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1724 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
