1971 Ford 17 vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1971 Ford 17 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 would be higher. At 3,208 cc (6 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 (78 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1971 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 775 kg more than 1971 Ford 17. 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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 (223 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford 17 | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 17 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3310 mm |
