1973 Volvo 164 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 368 more horse power than 1973 Volvo 164. (142 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1973 Volvo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 860 kg more than 1973 Volvo 164. 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 CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 608 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volvo 164. (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volvo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volvo 164 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 164 | CL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 90 L |
