1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 1989 Plymouth Laser
To start off, 1989 Plymouth Laser is newer by 30 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, 1989 Plymouth Laser (91 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Plymouth Laser should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 42 kg more than 1989 Plymouth Laser.
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, 1989 Plymouth Laser, 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Plymouth Laser. (142 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Plymouth Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zodiac | 1989 Plymouth Laser | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Zodiac | Laser |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1755 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2480 mm |
