1972 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 33 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 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 359 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang.
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 (502 Nm) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. (461 Nm). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1486 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2570 mm |
