1959 Ford Zephyr vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 188 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zephyr | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2578 mm |
