1964 Ford Zodiac vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1964 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1964 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1964 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Ford Zodiac. (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Ford Zodiac. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1964 Ford Zodiac has manual transmission. 1964 Ford Zodiac will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Ford Zodiac | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | 280 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
