1948 Ford Prefect vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 49 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1948 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1948 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 373 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Ford Prefect. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Ford Prefect | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Golf |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 837 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2520 mm |
