1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 53 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (141 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 293 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.
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, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zodiac | 3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 136 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2650 mm |
