1979 Ford LTD vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 360 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 235 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 SL (700 Nm) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford LTD. (332 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LTD | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1921 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
