1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1961 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 26 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 174 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.
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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1961 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 164 | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
