2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 710 kg more than 1978 Chrysler 1609. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chrysler |
| Model | CLS | 1609 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2143 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2670 mm |
