1978 Ford Falcon vs. 1961 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1978 Ford Falcon 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 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Falcon (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Falcon weights approximately 189 kg more than 1961 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 Ford Falcon (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Falcon | 1961 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Falcon | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
