2008 BMW 523 vs. 1961 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 47 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 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 299 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1961 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
