1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 43 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 194 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.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Ford Zodiac. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zodiac | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
