1959 Ford Zephyr vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 224 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zephyr | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2651 mm |
