1948 Ford Prefect vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 63 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1948 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1948 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Ford Prefect. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Ford Prefect. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1948 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1948 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1948 Ford Prefect 2011 Volkswagen Passat
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Prefect Passat
Year Released 1948 2011
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1172 cc 1968 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 31 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 63 Nm 320 Nm
Torque RPM 2400 RPM 1750 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 6.2:1 18.5:1
Top Speed 105 km/hour 204 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 837 kg 1247 kg
Vehicle Length 3980 mm 4770 mm
Vehicle Width 1450 mm 1830 mm
Wheelbase Size 2390 mm 2720 mm