1. Code Organization and Convention: CakePHP follows the convention over configuration principle, meaning it has a set of pre-defined conventions that help streamline development. In contrast, Zend Framework offers more flexibility in organizing code and doesn't impose strict naming conventions, allowing developers to have more freedom in structuring their application.

2. Ease of Learning: CakePHP is known for its simplicity and beginner-friendly nature, making it easier for new developers to grasp and start building applications quickly. In comparison, Zend Framework has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive documentation and complex architecture, which may require more time and effort to understand and utilize effectively.

3. Performance: CakePHP is known to be faster in terms of execution and processing speed compared to Zend Framework, which may be attributed to its simpler and more streamlined architecture. This difference in performance can be crucial for applications that require high-speed processing and responsiveness.

4. Community Support and Documentation: CakePHP has a more active and vibrant community that provides extensive support, frequent updates, and a wide range of plugins and extensions readily available. On the other hand, Zend Framework, being backed by Zend Technologies, offers more comprehensive documentation and professional support options, which can be beneficial for enterprise-level applications requiring robust technical assistance.

5. Database ORM and Query Building: CakePHP comes with its own Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tool, providing an easy and efficient way to interact with databases and perform CRUD operations. In contrast, Zend Framework offers a more flexible and customizable database query builder, allowing developers to have more control over the queries they construct and execute.

6. Modularity and Extensibility: CakePHP follows a more monolithic approach, where most of the core functionalities are bundled within the framework, offering a one-stop solution for building web applications. On the other hand, Zend Framework promotes modularity and extensibility, allowing developers to pick and choose components as needed, resulting in a more lightweight and tailored application structure.

In Summary, CakePHP and Zend Framework differ in terms of code organization, ease of learning, performance, community support, database ORM, and modularity, offering developers distinct choices based on their specific project requirements.