1973 Honda 1300 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda 1300 would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1973 Honda 1300. (81 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1973 Honda 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda 1300, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda 1300. (105 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda 1300 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1300 | CL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 5786 cc |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 367 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2200 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 88 L |
