1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 2004 Ford Five Hundred
To start off, 2004 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 45 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (200 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 388 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.
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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (266 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zodiac | 2004 Ford Five Hundred | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Zodiac | Five Hundred |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 266 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3010 mm |
