1955 Ford Zephyr vs. 1985 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1985 Lancia Thema is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,260 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lancia Thema (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lancia Thema weights approximately 70 kg more than 1955 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Lancia Thema, 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, 1985 Lancia Thema (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Ford Zephyr | 1985 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Zephyr | Thema |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
