1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 375 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
