1948 Ford Prefect vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 65 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (155 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1948 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1948 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 466 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, 2013 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (200 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Ford Prefect. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Prefect | 3 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 837 kg | 1303 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1755 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2640 mm |
