1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ford Zodiac (76 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 227 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Zodiac 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 Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1959 Ford Zodiac (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Ford Zodiac | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Zodiac | Santana |
Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1296 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 76 HP | 59 HP |
Torque | 188 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 75.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2560 mm |