1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML (399 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 1141 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Taunus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML (600 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 508 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Taunus | ML |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 399 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4803 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2141 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1796 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2916 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 93 L |
