1956 Ford Prefect vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 53 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (141 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 720 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, 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Prefect | 3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2650 mm |
