1956 Chrysler C vs. 1961 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1961 Ford Zodiac is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chrysler C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chrysler C would be higher. At 5,801 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Chrysler C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chrysler C (335 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chrysler C should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Chrysler C weights approximately 689 kg more than 1961 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1956 Chrysler C (530 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Chrysler C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chrysler C | 1961 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ford |
| Model | C | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5801 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2720 mm |
