1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 21 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 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 (123 HP @ 4350 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 429 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | 300 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
