1974 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1959 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 844 kg more than 1959 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, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice (339 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Caprice | 1959 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Caprice | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5670 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2720 mm |
