1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 1985 Saab 9000
To start off, 1985 Saab 9000 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Saab 9000 (173 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Saab 9000 weights approximately 727 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta 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 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Saab 9000, 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, 1985 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1985 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 1985 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Saab |
| Model | Zeta | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |
