1986 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1959 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 27 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), 1986 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 262 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, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Chevrolet Corvette | 1959 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
