1972 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (267 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 94 kg more than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 Mustang (417 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 417 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2950 mm |
