1972 Plymouth Valiant vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 5,562 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1456 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Plymouth Valiant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Plymouth Valiant (401 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Plymouth Valiant | 2011 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Plymouth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Valiant | A |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5562 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2570 mm |
