1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 10 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 30 kg more than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380.
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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | 380 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 90 L |
