1963 Ford Zodiac vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 45 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (288 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1963 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1963 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 465 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Zodiac. (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Zodiac. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1963 Ford Zodiac has manual transmission. 1963 Ford Zodiac will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Ford Zodiac | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | CLS |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
