1955 Ford Prefect vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 57 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1955 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 459 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5, 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Ford Prefect | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | T5 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 3010 mm |
