1991 Holden Barina vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Holden Barina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Holden Barina 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 197 more horse power than 1991 Holden Barina. (67 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1991 Holden Barina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1085 kg more than 1991 Holden Barina. 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, 1991 Holden Barina, 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 515 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Holden Barina. (105 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Holden Barina. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1991 Holden Barina has manual transmission. 1991 Holden Barina 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:
| 1991 Holden Barina | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Barina | CLS |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1324 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2250 mm | 2875 mm |
