1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 1968 Lotus Europa is newer by 12 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, both vehicles can yield 76 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 582 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa.
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 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Zodiac | Europa |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2340 mm |
