1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1961 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Ford Zodiac (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 432 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Zodiac 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 1956 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1956 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (77 Nm). This means 1956 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zodiac | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
