1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 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 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 58 kg more than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5751 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2950 mm |
