1953 Ford Prefect vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1978 Mazda RX-3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,963 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1953 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1953 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda RX-3 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1953 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Ford Prefect | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Prefect | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2320 mm |
