1976 Chrysler 1609 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (64 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 580 kg more than 1976 Chrysler 1609. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (130 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Chrysler 1609. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1976 Chrysler 1609 has manual transmission. 1976 Chrysler 1609 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chrysler 1609 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1609 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2007 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2875 mm |
