1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 40 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 109 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Gran Torino | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6553 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2014 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
