1980 Ford Fairlane vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 331 kg more than 1980 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Fairlane | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | CLS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
