2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1965 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 3,698 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 90 kg more than 1965 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Ford Zodiac. 2009 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 1965 Ford Zodiac has manual transmission. 1965 Ford Zodiac will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1965 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Nitro | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3698 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 45 L |
