1960 Ford Zodiac vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 1996 Mazda 626 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 626 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1960 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 51 kg more than 1996 Mazda 626.
Because 1960 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 1960 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 626, 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, 1960 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1960 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Ford Zodiac | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zodiac | 626 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2620 mm |
