1954 DKW Coupe vs. 1963 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1963 Ford Zodiac is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 DKW Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 DKW Coupe would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Ford Zodiac (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1954 DKW Coupe. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1954 DKW Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 391 kg more than 1954 DKW Coupe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Ford Zodiac 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 1963 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1954 DKW Coupe, 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, 1963 Ford Zodiac (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 DKW Coupe. (69 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1963 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 DKW Coupe. 1963 Ford Zodiac has automatic transmission and 1954 DKW Coupe has manual transmission. 1954 DKW Coupe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Ford Zodiac will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 DKW Coupe | 1963 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | DKW | Ford |
| Model | Coupe | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 879 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2780 mm |
