2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 353. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 353 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 770 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1966 Wartburg 353 has manual transmission. 1966 Wartburg 353 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Wartburg |
| Model | CLS | 353 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 43 L |
