1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 618 kg more than 1956 Ford Zodiac. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | CLS |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 136 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2860 mm |
