1971 Ford Zephyr vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 206 kg more than 1971 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Zephyr | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zephyr | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2578 mm |
