1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 2009 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 50 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 3,796 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Routan (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 55 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, 2009 Volkswagen Routan, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Routan (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zodiac | 2009 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zodiac | Routan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 3796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3080 mm |
