1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 25 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 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (142 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 428 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | 560 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2460 mm |
