2004 Acura CL vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2004 Acura CL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Acura CL (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2004 Acura CL.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Acura CL | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | 420 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2850 mm |
