1979 Ford LTD vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 26 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 365 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford LTD. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford LTD.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LTD | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| 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 | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 88 L |
