1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1973 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 1973 Mazda RX-4 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1973 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 81 kg more than 1973 Mazda RX-4.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1973 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zodiac | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
