1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 34 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 6,553 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 284 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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 (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | CLS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6553 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2014 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 89 L |
