1963 Ford Zodiac vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1963 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1963 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 98 kg more than 1963 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (230 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Zodiac. (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Ford Zodiac | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | SLK |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
