1997 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Mustang (590 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 935 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang.
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, 1997 Ford Mustang (728 Nm) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. (460 Nm). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | CL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 590 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 728 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
