1959 Ford Zephyr vs. 2009 Kia Opirus
To start off, 2009 Kia Opirus is newer by 50 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Opirus (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Opirus weights approximately 721 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.
Because 1959 Ford Zephyr 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 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Opirus, 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, 2009 Kia Opirus (298 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 2009 Kia Opirus | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Zephyr | Opirus |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1897 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2810 mm |
