1958 Ford Prefect vs. 2001 Proton 400
To start off, 2001 Proton 400 is newer by 43 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1958 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Proton 400 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1958 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Proton 400, 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, 2001 Proton 400 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2001 Proton 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Prefect | 2001 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Ford | Proton |
| Model | Prefect | 400 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2510 mm |
