1977 Ford Fiesta vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 327 more horse power than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1240 kg more than 1977 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 466 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Fiesta. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Fiesta | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fiesta | CL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 367 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 88 L |
