1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 395 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. 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 CL (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2954 mm |
