2003 Acura CL vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2003 Acura CL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura CL weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL, 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura CL | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
