1974 Ford Fairlane vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Fairlane.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | CLS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
