1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 6,553 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (223 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S 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 284 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6553 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2014 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2870 mm |
