1965 Ford Zodiac vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Ford Zodiac (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1965 Ford Zodiac.
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, 1965 Ford Zodiac (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1965 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Zodiac | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | 240 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
