When it comes to big luxury coupes, Mercedes-Benz was and remains one of the top choices in this high-end segment. But how much have things changed from, let’s say, the 1970s to today?
This is something Car&Driver magazine set to find out by comparing a Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 against a modern-day CL63 AMG.
However, just to make the duel a bit more interesting (that or C&D couldn’t find a pristine example of a stock model…), the publication borrowed a Mechatronic M-Coupe, which is a $400,000 fully-restored 1971 280SE 3.5 fitted with a more modern Mercedes 5.4-liter V8 producing 354hp and a tweaked suspension.
The CL63 AMG, on the other hand, features a 5.5-liter bi-turbocharged V8 delivering 536hp in standard trim and 563hp with the $7,300 optional AMG Performance package.
If you had the opportunity to take out one of these cars for a spin, which would it be?
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