1959 Ford Prefect vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 44 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 496 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Prefect | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 117 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
