1956 Ford Prefect vs. 1996 Volvo V40
To start off, 1996 Volvo V40 is newer by 40 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 1,946 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V40 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V40 weights approximately 465 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, 1996 Volvo V40, 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, 1996 Volvo V40 (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo V40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Prefect | 1996 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Prefect | V40 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2570 mm |
