1966 Ford Zephyr vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (126 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 364 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (235 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Zephyr | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Zephyr | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2992 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 85 L |
