1958 Ford Prefect vs. 1977 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Ford Prefect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volkswagen Golf (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1958 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford Prefect weights approximately 15 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1958 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 1958 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1977 Volkswagen Golf (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1977 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Prefect | 1977 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Golf |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
