1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 367 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
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 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (146 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zeta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2560 mm |
