1979 Ford LTD vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 33 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 285 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford LTD. (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford LTD.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LTD | E |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1845 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
