1978 Ford Falcon vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 1978 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 580 kg more than 1978 Ford Falcon. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Falcon. (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Falcon | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Falcon | CLS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2860 mm |
