1954 Ford Prefect vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1954 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1954 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Ford Prefect. 2009 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1954 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1954 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Ford Prefect | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Prefect | 3 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1170 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2650 mm |
