1971 Ford GT 40 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 41 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (240 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1210 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 40.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Ford GT 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (616 Nm) has 531 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 40. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 40 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 616 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 90 L |
