1955 Ford Prefect vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 41 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 1,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Golf (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1955 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 395 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, 1996 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Golf (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Ford Prefect | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2480 mm |
