2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1981 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Patrol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Patrol would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (470 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 376 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (94 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 155 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Because 1981 Nissan Patrol is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 485 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Patrol. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1981 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | CLS | Patrol |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 470 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1920 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2980 mm |
