1959 Ford Zephyr vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (223 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 560 kg more than 1959 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zephyr | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2870 mm |
