1972 Ford Mustang vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 13 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 73 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang. 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 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | 420 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1527 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2460 mm |
