1961 Ford Prefect vs. 2011 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Routan 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 1306 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect. 2011 Volkswagen Routan 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 Volkswagen Routan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 2011 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prefect | Routan |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 78 L |
