1971 Ford GT 40 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1971 Ford GT 40. (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford GT 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1175 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm) has 716 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 40. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1971 Ford GT 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 40 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 88 L |
