1968 Ford 12 M vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1968 Ford 12 M. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1140 kg more than 1968 Ford 12 M. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 480 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 12 M. (80 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 12 M | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 12 M | S |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1182 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 90 L |
