1966 Ford Zephyr vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (88 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 560 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (167 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Zephyr | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zephyr | SL |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2520 mm |
