1978 Citroen Visa vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1978 Citroen Visa. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1978 Citroen Visa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Citroen Visa, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen Visa. (86 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen Visa. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1978 Citroen Visa has manual transmission. 1978 Citroen Visa 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:
| 1978 Citroen Visa | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Visa | CLS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1124 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
