1986 Dodge Charger vs. 1959 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1986 Dodge Charger 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 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ford Zephyr (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1986 Dodge Charger. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford Zephyr should accelerate faster than 1986 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 126 kg more than 1986 Dodge Charger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Zephyr 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 1959 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Dodge Charger, 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, 1959 Ford Zephyr (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Dodge Charger. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Dodge Charger | 1959 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Charger | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
