1959 Ford Prefect vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 39 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 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 320 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, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Prefect | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Prefect | 323 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
