1972 Ford GT 40 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 635 kg more than 1972 Ford GT 40.
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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz S (306 Nm) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1972 Ford GT 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford GT 40 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT 40 | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2950 mm |
