1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 57 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 168 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zodiac | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2537 mm |
