1955 Ford Prefect vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 26 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1955 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 80 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.
Because 1955 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 1955 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Ford Prefect | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
