1979 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 445 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. 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 CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (209 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Mustang | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | CLK |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2720 mm |
