1959 Ford Zodiac vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 53 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, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 366 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, 2012 Toyota RAV4, 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, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zodiac. (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zodiac | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Zodiac | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2659 mm |
