1978 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 372 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 348 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 510 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Grand Safari | CL |
Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 510 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 319 Nm | 829 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1872 kg | 2220 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 5095 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2954 mm |