1958 Ford Prefect vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1958 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 195 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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Volkswagen Polo (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Prefect | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Polo |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2520 mm |
