1965 Ford Zodiac vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 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 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 110 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1965 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 1965 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1965 Ford Zodiac (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1965 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Zodiac | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zodiac | Golf |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
