1980 Ford Laser vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 399 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1160 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (701 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 578 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Laser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Laser | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Laser | CL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2890 mm |
