1971 Ford Zephyr vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 388 more horse power than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 670 kg more than 1971 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 547 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Zephyr | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zephyr | CLS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 3090 mm |
