1959 Ford Prefect vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 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 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Passat (49 HP) has 11 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 145 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.
Because 1959 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 1959 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1979 Volkswagen Passat (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Prefect | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
