1978 Ford LTD vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 27 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz R (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Ford LTD. (296 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 450 kg more than 1978 Ford LTD. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford LTD. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 1978 Ford LTD (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz R. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz R.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford LTD | 2005 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LTD | R |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5763 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2860 mm |
