2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 65 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CLS | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
