1980 Nissan Skyline vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 421 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1175 kg more than 1980 Nissan Skyline. 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 CL (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 696 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Skyline. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1980 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1980 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Nissan Skyline | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skyline | CL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2954 mm |
