1955 Ford Prefect vs. 1957 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1957 Wartburg 312 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Ford Prefect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Wartburg 312 (36 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1955 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Wartburg 312 should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1955 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1957 Wartburg 312 (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1957 Wartburg 312 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Ford Prefect | 1957 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Ford | Wartburg |
| Model | Prefect | 312 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2460 mm |
