1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger is newer by 51 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Charger (292 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 622 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, 2012 Dodge Charger (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Zodiac | Charger |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5077 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 72 L |
