1981 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Ford F-150
To start off, 2012 Ford F-150 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-150 (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford F-150 weights approximately 823 kg more than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 Ford F-150 (515 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 2012 Ford F-150 has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford F-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | S | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3670 mm |
