1964 Ford Zodiac vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1964 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1964 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 130 kg more than 1964 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Ford Zodiac is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1964 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Ford Zodiac. (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Ford Zodiac | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zodiac | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
