1971 Ford GT 70 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 70 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1971 Ford GT 70. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford GT 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1140 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 70. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 70. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 70. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford GT 70 has manual transmission. 1971 Ford GT 70 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 70 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT 70 | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2560 mm |
