1966 Ford Zephyr vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (126 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 345 kg more than 1966 Ford Zephyr. 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 S (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (235 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Zephyr | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zephyr | S |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2992 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2870 mm |
