1955 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1959 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1959 Ford Zodiac is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,658 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 341 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1955 Austin-Healey 100 (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 1959 Ford Zodiac | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Ford |
Model | 100 | Zodiac |
Year Released | 1955 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2658 cc | 2552 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 132 HP | 76 HP |
Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 228 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1192 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4600 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1590 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2720 mm |