1974 Renault 12 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 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 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 349 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 986 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Renault 12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will offer significantly more control. 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 504 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Renault | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 12 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2875 mm |
