1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 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 1,093 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Golf (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Prefect weights approximately 28 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1961 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 1961 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Golf (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Golf |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
