1959 Ford Prefect vs. 1978 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1978 Mazda RX-2 is newer by 19 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 2,290 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-2 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-2 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda RX-2 weights approximately 160 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, 1978 Mazda RX-2 (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Prefect | 1978 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Prefect | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2480 mm |
