1965 Ford Zodiac vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 430 kg more than 1965 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, 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Ford Zodiac. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1965 Ford Zodiac has manual transmission. 1965 Ford Zodiac will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Zodiac | 1981 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Zodiac | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2910 mm |
