2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 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 291 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 785 kg more than 1981 Fiat 131. 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 433 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Fiat |
| Model | CLS | 131 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 167 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2500 mm |
