1955 Ford Zephyr vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 54 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 195 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, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Zephyr. 2009 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1955 Ford Zephyr has manual transmission. 1955 Ford Zephyr will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Ford Zephyr | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zephyr | 3 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
