2005 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (604 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 490 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 104 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,001 Nm) has 770 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5982 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2111 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2870 mm |
