1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 56 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, 2012 Mazda 6 (127 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 358 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, 2012 Mazda 6, 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, 2012 Mazda 6 (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zodiac | 6 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 136 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2789 mm |
