1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (503 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 583 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 501 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 420 | CL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2183 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2130 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1419 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2955 mm |
