1955 Ford Prefect vs. 1999 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1999 Ford Fiesta is newer by 44 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Fiesta (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1955 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 155 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, 1999 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1999 Ford Fiesta (174 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Ford Prefect | 1999 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Prefect | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2450 mm |
