2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1973 Toyota Century
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Toyota Century would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1973 Toyota Century. (127 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1973 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 190 kg more than 1973 Toyota Century. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Toyota Century. (236 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1973 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | CLS | Century |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 2981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2870 mm |
