1978 Ford LTD vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford LTD would be higher. At 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford LTD (296 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford LTD weights approximately 235 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1978 Ford LTD (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford LTD | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LTD | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5763 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2950 mm |
