1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 298 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 630 kg more than 1973 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fairlane | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 2245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3165 mm |
