1957 Ford Zodiac vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1957 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 416 kg more than 1957 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Zodiac | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | S |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2870 mm |
