1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible
To start off, 1961 Ford Zodiac is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Ford Zodiac (76 HP) has 27 more horse power than 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 315 kg more than 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible, 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, 1961 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible. (87 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1961 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Zodiac | Sports Convertible |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
