1957 Ford Prefect vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1957 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 573 kg more than 1957 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Prefect | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2537 mm |
