1978 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 86 kg more than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria has automatic transmission and 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Crown Victoria | CLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1644 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2830 mm |
