1948 Ford Prefect vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 55 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1948 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1948 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 269 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Ford Prefect. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Ford Prefect | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Polo |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 105 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 837 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2590 mm |
