1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 23 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 371 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 2052 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 53 L |
