1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 2003 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2003 Pontiac GTO is newer by 42 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 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 499 kg more than 1961 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 2003 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Zodiac | GTO |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 5664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
