1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 1955 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1973 Ford Fairlane is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 470 kg more than 1955 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Zephyr. 1973 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1955 Ford Zephyr has manual transmission. 1955 Ford Zephyr will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 1955 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
