1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 832 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prefect | S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 85 L |
