1974 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Caprice. (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 130 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 (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Caprice. (339 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | CLS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5670 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2875 mm |
