1984 Rover Vitesse vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Rover Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Rover Vitesse would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1984 Rover Vitesse. (187 HP @ 5280 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1984 Rover Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 450 kg more than 1984 Rover Vitesse. 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 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Rover Vitesse. (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Rover Vitesse. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1984 Rover Vitesse has manual transmission. 1984 Rover Vitesse 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:
| 1984 Rover Vitesse | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Vitesse | CLS |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3531 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5280 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2875 mm |
