1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 419 kg more than 1961 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 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 | 1191 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 85 L |
