1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 7 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 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 37 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (97 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 285 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | 230 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 65 L |
