1961 Ford Prefect vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 48 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 351 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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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, 2009 Honda Civic (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect. 2009 Honda Civic 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. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Prefect | Civic |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
