2004 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1973 AC 428
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1973 AC 428. (298 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1973 AC 428. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 435 kg more than 1973 AC 428. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1973 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1973 AC 428 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | AC |
| Model | CL | 428 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 7002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2450 mm |
