1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 313 kg more than 1959 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zodiac | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | SLK |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2431 mm |
