1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 1976 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1976 Ford Fairlane is newer by 20 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 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Fairlane (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 260 kg more than 1956 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, 1976 Ford Fairlane (328 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 1976 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Zodiac | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2950 mm |
