1958 Ford Zodiac vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1958 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 704 kg more than 1958 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Zodiac | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | S |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2550 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
