1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 23 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 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 244 kg more than 1959 Ford Zodiac. 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zodiac | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Zodiac | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 3275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2760 mm |
