1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 1971 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1971 Opel Commodore is newer by 15 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, 1971 Opel Commodore (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 22 kg more than 1971 Opel Commodore.
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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Commodore. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1956 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 1971 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Zodiac | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
