1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 129 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 2798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 80 L |
