1972 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1379 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Mustang. (328 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mustang | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2570 mm |
