2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 212 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 875 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1981 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Vauxhall |
| Model | CLS | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
