1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1983 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Ford Escort is newer by 22 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Escort (51 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Escort weights approximately 272 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.
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, 1983 Ford Escort, 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, 1983 Ford Escort (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 1983 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Prefect | Escort |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2400 mm |
