1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 620 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | CLS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2860 mm |
