1965 Ford Zodiac vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 41 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 640 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Ford Zodiac. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1965 Ford Zodiac has manual transmission. 1965 Ford Zodiac will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Zodiac | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zodiac | SL |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
