1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 33 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 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (475 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (106 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 614 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 453 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 2009 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | CLS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 475 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
