1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1956 Rover P4
To start off, 1961 Ford Prefect is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Rover P4 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Rover P4 (51 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Rover P4 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Rover P4 weights approximately 602 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1956 Rover P4 (138 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1956 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 1956 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Prefect | P4 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2830 mm |
