1974 Buick GS vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick GS would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 328 more horse power than 1974 Buick GS. (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1202 kg more than 1974 Buick GS. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Buick GS. (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Buick GS. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1974 Buick GS has manual transmission. 1974 Buick GS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick GS | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GS | CL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2960 mm |
