1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1961 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (84 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 315 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Because 1961 Ford Zodiac 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 1961 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1961 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1961 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Alfasud | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
