2009 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1965 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle 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 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Zodiac.
Because 1965 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 1965 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1965 Ford Zodiac (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1965 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 1965 Ford Zodiac has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Ford Zodiac will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | 1965 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Beetle | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
