1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 49 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 837 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zeta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2710 mm |
