1948 Ford Prefect vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 61 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1948 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1948 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 410 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Ford Prefect. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Ford Prefect | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 837 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2580 mm |
