1956 Ford Prefect vs. 1990 Ford Escort
To start off, 1990 Ford Escort is newer by 34 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Escort (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Escort weights approximately 255 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, 1990 Ford Escort, 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, 1990 Ford Escort (130 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Prefect | 1990 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Prefect | Escort |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1350 mm |
