1959 Ford Prefect vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 1968 Ford Escort is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Escort weights approximately 5 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Ford Escort (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Prefect | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Prefect | Escort |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 117 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 41 L |
