1981 Fiat 127 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (305 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 900 kg more than 1981 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 127, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 127. (76 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 127. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat 127 has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat 127 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 127 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 127 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2875 mm |
