1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 423 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 441 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 102.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 94.6 mm |
| 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 | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 80 L |
