1956 Ford Prefect vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 49 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 3 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 475 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, 2005 Mazda 3, 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, 2005 Mazda 3 (225 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Prefect | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Prefect | 3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2680 mm |
