1965 Ford Zodiac vs. 1962 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1965 Ford Zodiac is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Ford Zodiac (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1962 Ford Cortina. (48 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 492 kg more than 1962 Ford Cortina. 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, 1965 Ford Zodiac (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1965 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Zodiac | 1962 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Zodiac | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 58.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 36 L |
