1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1973 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1973 Ford Cortina is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Cortina weights approximately 262 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, 1973 Ford Cortina (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 1973 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Prefect | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 87 L |
