1957 Ford Zodiac vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1978 Ford Cortina is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Cortina (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1957 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 84 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina.
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, 1957 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Zodiac | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Zodiac | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2580 mm |
