1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 2011 Volvo S40
To start off, 2011 Volvo S40 is newer by 52 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, 2011 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo S40 weights approximately 906 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, 2011 Volvo S40, 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, 2011 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. 2011 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta has manual transmission. 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 2011 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volvo |
| Model | Zeta | S40 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 1579 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2639 mm |
