1948 Ford Prefect vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 57 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), 2005 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1948 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1948 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 303 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, 2005 Mazda 3, 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, 2005 Mazda 3 (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Ford Prefect. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Ford Prefect | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Prefect | 3 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2005 |
| 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 | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 837 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2610 mm |
