1951 Buick 40 vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1972 Ford Gran Torino is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1951 Buick 40. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1951 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 107 kg more than 1951 Buick 40. 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Buick 40. (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Buick 40 | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | 40 | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4066 cc | 5751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2900 mm |
