1958 Ford Prefect vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 50 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1958 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 415 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, 2008 Honda Civic, 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, 2008 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Prefect. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1958 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1958 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Prefect | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Prefect | Civic |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2660 mm |
