1968 Ford Zephyr vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,327 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 201 kg more than 1968 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Ford Zephyr. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Zephyr | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zephyr | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2710 mm |
