1957 Ford Zodiac vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1957 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 561 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Zodiac | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | SL |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
