1990 Ford Orion vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Orion would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1990 Ford Orion. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 750 kg more than 1990 Ford Orion. 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, 1990 Ford Orion, 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 (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 510 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Orion. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Orion. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1990 Ford Orion has manual transmission. 1990 Ford Orion 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:
| 1990 Ford Orion | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Orion | CLS |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1417 mm |
