1952 Ford Zephyr vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 59 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1952 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1952 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 345 kg more than 1952 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 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 1952 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Ford Zephyr. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1952 Ford Zephyr has manual transmission. 1952 Ford Zephyr will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Ford Zephyr | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zephyr | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
