1965 Ford Zephyr vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (138 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1965 Ford Zephyr. (72 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 220 kg more than 1965 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Ford Zephyr 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 1965 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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 Chevrolet Cruze (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Ford Zephyr. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Zephyr | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Zephyr | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 48 L |
