1959 Ford Zephyr vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1959 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zephyr | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2430 mm |
