1959 Ford Prefect vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 23 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (64 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 45 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Prefect | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
