1948 Ford Prefect vs. 1983 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Ford Escort is newer by 35 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1948 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1948 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Escort weights approximately 113 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, 1983 Ford Escort, 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, 1983 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Ford Prefect. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Ford Prefect | 1983 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Prefect | Escort |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 837 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2400 mm |
