1955 Ford Zephyr vs. 1995 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1995 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 40 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, 1995 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 65 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, 1995 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1955 Ford Zephyr (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1955 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Ford Zephyr | 1995 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zephyr | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
