1971 Dodge Challenger vs. 1956 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1971 Dodge Challenger is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Dodge Challenger (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 278 kg more than 1956 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, 1971 Dodge Challenger (233 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Dodge Challenger | 1956 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Challenger | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2720 mm |
