1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1981 Holden Commodore is newer by 20 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 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Holden Commodore (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 31 kg more than 1981 Holden Commodore.
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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (141 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1961 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Zodiac | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1892 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2670 mm |
