1978 Buick Electra vs. 1960 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1978 Buick Electra is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1960 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 594 kg more than 1960 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1960 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2720 mm |
