1950 Ford Zephyr vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,262 cc (6 cylinders), 1950 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1950 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1950 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 50 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1950 Ford Zephyr 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 1950 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1950 Ford Zephyr (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1950 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Ford Zephyr | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zephyr | Passat |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2560 mm |
