1955 Ford Prefect vs. 2009 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2009 Ford Fiesta is newer by 54 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Fiesta (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1955 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 257 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, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Fiesta (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Prefect | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1022 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2500 mm |
