1961 Ford Prefect vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 44 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 2700 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1070 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1961 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1961 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Prefect | SL |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1848 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
