1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 437 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 414 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 598 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6553 cc | 5982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 605 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2014 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
