1972 Ford LTD vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford LTD would be higher. At 3,927 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford LTD (163 HP) has 29 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford LTD weights approximately 335 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Ford LTD (376 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1972 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford LTD | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LTD | 230 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3927 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 65 L |
