1948 Ford Prefect vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen 1302 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1948 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 should accelerate faster than 1948 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Ford Prefect weights approximately 87 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302.
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, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Ford Prefect. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen 1302 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Ford Prefect | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 837 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2410 mm |
