1978 Buick Estate vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 10 kg more than 1978 Buick Estate. 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 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Estate. (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Estate.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Estate | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Estate | CLS |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 4663 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 402 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1890 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2875 mm |