1959 Ford Prefect vs. 1999 Volvo S80
To start off, 1999 Volvo S80 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 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volvo S80 (161 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo S80 weights approximately 760 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 Volvo S80, 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 Volvo S80 (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Prefect | 1999 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Prefect | S80 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
