1956 Ford Prefect vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1972 Plymouth Valiant is newer by 16 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 5,562 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Plymouth Valiant weights approximately 609 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (401 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Prefect | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Prefect | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 5562 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 102.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2750 mm |
