2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 210 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 338 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS | 220 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 29.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
