1955 Citroen 2CV vs. 1959 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1959 Ford Prefect is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 996 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford Prefect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ford Prefect (38 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1955 Citroen 2CV. (12 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford Prefect should accelerate faster than 1955 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Prefect weights approximately 305 kg more than 1955 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1955 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1959 Ford Prefect (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Citroen 2CV. (25 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Prefect will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Citroen 2CV | 1959 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | 2CV | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 424 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 25 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Top Speed | 60 km/hour | 117 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 54 L |
