1971 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (201 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 551 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang.
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 C (310 Nm) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | C |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4726 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1551 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2760 mm |
