1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (185 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 1400 kg more than 1979 Ford Fairlane. 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 CLC (351 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (344 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | CLC |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
