1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1998 Renault Laguna

To start off, 1998 Renault Laguna is newer by 37 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 2,945 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Laguna (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Laguna should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Laguna weights approximately 672 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, 1998 Renault Laguna, 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, 1998 Renault Laguna (277 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect. 1998 Renault Laguna has automatic transmission and 1961 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1961 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Renault Laguna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1961 Ford Prefect 1998 Renault Laguna
Make Ford Renault
Model Prefect Laguna
Year Released 1961 1998
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 997 cc 2945 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 35 HP 191 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 71 Nm 277 Nm
Torque RPM 2700 RPM 3200 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 778 kg 1450 kg
Vehicle Length 3810 mm 4520 mm
Vehicle Width 1550 mm 1760 mm
Vehicle Height 1650 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2220 mm 2680 mm