1956 Ford Prefect vs. 1988 Nissan Prairie
To start off, 1988 Nissan Prairie is newer by 32 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 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Nissan Prairie is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan Prairie (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan Prairie should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan Prairie weights approximately 213 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, 1988 Nissan Prairie, 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, 1988 Nissan Prairie (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan Prairie will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Prefect | 1988 Nissan Prairie | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Prefect | Prairie |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2520 mm |
