1986 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (305 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1986 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 103 kg more than 1986 Ford Fairlane. 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 (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Fairlane. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Fairlane 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:
| 1986 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | CLS |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2875 mm |
