1950 Ford Zephyr vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1950 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1950 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1950 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Ford Zephyr | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zephyr | 420 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2460 mm |
