1959 Ford Zephyr vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 52 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 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 220 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zephyr | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2703 mm |
