1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 35 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 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 219 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, 1961 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1961 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | C |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
