1948 Ford Prefect vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1981 Renault 18 is newer by 33 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 1,647 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 18 (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1948 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1948 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 18 weights approximately 188 kg more than 1948 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 Ford Prefect 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 1948 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18, 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, 1981 Renault 18 (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Ford Prefect. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Ford Prefect | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Prefect | 18 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 837 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1710 mm |
