1951 Ford Zephyr vs. 1998 Ford Cougar

To start off, 1998 Ford Cougar is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Cougar (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1951 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 273 kg more than 1951 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1951 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 1951 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar, 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, 1998 Ford Cougar (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Zephyr.

Compare all specifications:

1951 Ford Zephyr 1998 Ford Cougar
Make Ford Ford
Model Zephyr Cougar
Year Released 1951 1998
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2262 cc 2544 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 57 HP 168 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 151 Nm 221 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 4250 RPM
Engine Bore Size 79.4 mm 82.4 mm
Engine Stroke Size 76.2 mm 79.5 mm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1146 kg 1419 kg
Vehicle Length 4370 mm 4710 mm
Vehicle Width 1630 mm 1780 mm
Vehicle Height 1520 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 2650 mm 2580 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 40 L 60 L