1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 1983 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Ford Escort is newer by 24 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 @ 4400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1983 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 242 kg more than 1983 Ford Escort. 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, 1983 Ford Escort, 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zodiac | 1983 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Zodiac | Escort |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2400 mm |
