1959 Ford Prefect vs. 1999 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 40 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (100 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 475 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, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (141 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
