1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 6,598 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1976 Buick LeSabre. (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 60 kg more than 1976 Buick LeSabre. 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 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Buick LeSabre. (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LeSabre | CLS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2875 mm |
