1979 Ford LTD vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (295 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1979 Ford LTD. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford LTD. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford LTD.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LTD | 560 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3080 mm |
