1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1972 Ford Gran Torino is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 161 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | SE |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 65 L |
