1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 39 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 307 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 123 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | CLS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
