Performance Review: Ford Zephyr 2.2 12v - [1950]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Zephyr Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Zephyr 2.2 12v is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1950. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1951 Jaguar C Type 3.4L and the 1950 Ferrari 195 Inter.This particular Ford Zephyr has a 2262cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St6's includes the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965

The Zephyr shares its Petrol St6 engine configuration with the likes of the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965 and the . If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Zephyr's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1223 kgs (2696 lbs) this makes the Ford Zephyr 2.2 12v in the same weight category as the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Zephyr shares the same bhp with the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp)

In terms of power the 2262cc 12V St6 engine produces 68 bhp (50 kW) @ 4000 rpm similar to the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp) or the 2005 Citroen C1 1.0 VTR 3dr (67 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St6 throws out 112 lb-ft (151.8 Nm) @ 2000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (118 lb-ft) or the 2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8L (105 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Ford Zephyr you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1974 Ford Mustang Mach 1 170 2.8 V6 (80.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Zephyr.

The Ford Zephyr has a Power to weight ratio of 55.6 bhp per ton and 91.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1950 Zephyr competing with the 1974 Ford Mustang Mach 1 170 2.8 V6 (80.0 bhp per ton) or the 1974 Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti (79.9 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Ford Zephyr generating around 91.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1950 Jaguar Mark VII 3.4L (116.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 1984 Audi Coupe 2.0 GT (116.1 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 21.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 21.8 secs, this made the Ford Zephyr 2.2 12v as fast as the 1992 Hummer H1 6.2 V8 4 Door (21.80 secs) the 1977 Skoda 105 S (22.00 secs) the 1955 Peugeot 403 1500 (24.00 secs) the or the 1977 Ford Granada 2.1 Diesel (26.10 secs). This Ford Zephyr 2.2 12v is also faster than the 1992 Hummer H1 6.2 V8 4 Door (21.80 secs) the 1977 Skoda 105 S (22.00 secs) the 1955 Peugeot 403 1500 (24.00 secs) the and the 1977 Ford Granada 2.1 Diesel (26.10 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Zephyr and the 1981 Vauxhall-Opel Manta 400 2.4

When talking about the performance of the Ford Zephyr on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 21.49 secs @ 63.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1981 Vauxhall-Opel Manta 400 2.4 (21.39 secs), the 1995 Fiat Barchetta 1.8 16V (21.42 secs), and the 1985 Ford Escort Mk4 RS Turbo (21.46 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1950 version of the Ford Zephyr 2.2 12v has a maximum speed of 81mph.

Top Speed of the 1950 Zephyr equals the 1977 Austin Allegro 2 Super De Luxe 1500 (92 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1950 Ford Zephyr 2.2 12v then how about the 1977 Austin Allegro 2 Super De Luxe 1500 (92 mph), the 2013 BMW i3 0.6l Hybrid (93 mph), or the 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0 TD (93 mph).

Related Links:

1950 Zephyr Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison