2008 Ford S-Max vs. 1968 Opel Diplomat
To start off, 2008 Ford S-Max is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Diplomat would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Opel Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Diplomat (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Diplomat should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 53 kg more than 1968 Opel Diplomat.
Because 1968 Opel Diplomat is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Opel Diplomat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford S-Max, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1968 Opel Diplomat (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1968 Opel Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford S-Max. 1968 Opel Diplomat has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2008 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Opel Diplomat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 1968 Opel Diplomat | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | S-Max | Diplomat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
