1997 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1955 Ford Zephyr

To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 365 kg more than 1955 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1955 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 1955 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Lumina (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Zephyr. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1955 Ford Zephyr has manual transmission. 1955 Ford Zephyr will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1997 Chevrolet Lumina 1955 Ford Zephyr
Make Chevrolet Ford
Model Lumina Zephyr
Year Released 1997 1955
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3135 cc 2260 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 155 HP 57 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 251 Nm 151 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 2000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 89 mm 79.4 mm
Engine Stroke Size 84 mm 76.2 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1510 kg 1145 kg
Vehicle Length 5110 mm 4370 mm
Vehicle Width 1850 mm 1630 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1550 mm
Wheelbase Size 2740 mm 2650 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 56 L 40 L