1978 Daihatsu Taft vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Daihatsu Taft. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Daihatsu Taft would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. (62 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 550 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Daihatsu Taft is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Taft 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. (150 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1978 Daihatsu Taft has manual transmission. 1978 Daihatsu Taft 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:
| 1978 Daihatsu Taft | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taft | CLS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2860 mm |
