1968 Ford Zephyr vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 44 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 276 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 1968 Ford Zephyr 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 1968 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zephyr | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
