1960 Ford Zodiac vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1960 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1641 kg more than 1960 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Ford Zodiac is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1960 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1960 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1960 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Ford Zodiac | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | A |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
