1966 Ford Zephyr vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 40 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (126 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 875 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (235 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Zephyr | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zephyr | SLK |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2992 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
