1956 Ford Prefect vs. 1971 Peugeot 304
To start off, 1971 Peugeot 304 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Peugeot 304 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Peugeot 304 (64 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Peugeot 304 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Peugeot 304 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1956 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Peugeot 304, 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, 1971 Peugeot 304 (94 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1971 Peugeot 304 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Prefect | 1971 Peugeot 304 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Prefect | 304 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 67.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2600 mm |
