1971 Austin 3 vs. 1959 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1971 Austin 3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 725 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1959 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 54 L |
