1961 Ford Prefect vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 50 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect.
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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect. 2011 BMW 520 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. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Prefect | 520 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
