1965 Ford Zodiac vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 31 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 55 kg more than 1965 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Zodiac | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | SLK |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
