1974 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 438 kg more than 1974 Ford Fairlane. 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 CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | CLS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2875 mm |
