1959 Ford Zephyr vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 53 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 578 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Ford | Cadillac |
| Model | Zephyr | CTS |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2880 mm |
